Mission Robotic Vehicle
[prototype]space · service · 0 deployments in catalog
Manufacturer
Northrop Grumman SpaceLogisticsForm Factor
space
Lifecycle
prototype
Operational Reality
Audited
Deployments
0
Target Price
Custom Quote
Description
The Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) is SpaceLogistics' next-generation satellite servicing spacecraft equipped with two robotic arms developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory under a DARPA contract. The MRV installs Mission Extension Pods on aging GEO satellites to extend their operational life by at least six years, and provides inspection, relocation, and refueling capabilities. Scheduled for launch in summer 2026 on a dedicated SpaceX Falcon 9.
Key facts & specs
- website
- https://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2026/05/19/northrop-grummans-first-mrv-readies-for-summer-launch-to-expand-the-space-servicing-toolkit/
- maturity
- prototype
- lifecycle
- active
- form factor
- space
- manufacturer
- Northrop Grumman SpaceLogistics
- Maturity stage
- prototype
- Launch date
- Summer 2026
- Launch vehicle
- SpaceX Falcon 9 (dedicated)
- Robotic arms
- 2 arms, developed by U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
- Design life
- 10+ years
- Customers
- Intelsat (2 MEPs), Optus (1 MEP)
Safety record
No incidents on record for Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV).
FAQ
What is Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV)?
The Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) is SpaceLogistics' next-generation satellite servicing spacecraft equipped with two robotic arms developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory under a DARPA contract. The MRV installs Mission Extension Pods on aging GEO satellites to extend their operational life by at least six years, and provides inspection, relocation, and refueling capabilities. Scheduled for launch in summer 2026 on a dedicated SpaceX Falcon 9.
Is Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) actually deployed in the real world?
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) is at the prototype stage: it exists, but DEPLOY has no verified real-world deployment on record. Manufacturer capability claims should be read as claims pending independent verification.
Who makes Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV)?
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) is made by Northrop Grumman SpaceLogistics, based in Dulles, VA, USA.
Can you buy Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV)?
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) is at prototype stage and is not yet available for sale.
What are alternatives to Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV)?
On the DEPLOY registry, comparable space robots to Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) include Chang'e Lander, Mira, W-Series Capsule, spacevan.
How does Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) compare to Chang'e Lander?
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) and Chang'e Lander (China National Space Administration · 4 deployments) are both space robots on the DEPLOY registry. Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) has 0 verified deployments on record. Compare both records for specs, safety, deployments, and verified-vs-claimed autonomy.
Is Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) a top space?
On DEPLOY's intelligence score, which blends verified deployments, safety, adoption, media, and IP signals, Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) ranks in roughly the top 70% of space models tracked by the registry.
What is Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV)'s maturity stage?
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) is at the prototype stage on the DEPLOY maturity ladder (research, prototype, pilot, commercial, production). Prototype stage means demonstrations exist but commercial readiness is not yet established.
Where is Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) deployed?
No verified deployments of Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) are currently on the DEPLOY registry. DEPLOY records deployments only when verified at a named site with a primary source; absence may reflect pre-deployment, research, or manufacturer-internal use.
Is Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) safe?
Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) has no incidents on record in the DEPLOY registry. This does not constitute a safety guarantee; it reflects the incidents DEPLOY has tracked and verified to date.