ViviSat unveils hosted payload capability on MEV
ViviSat, a company that provides in-orbit service, has introduced its highly agile hosted payload capability that aims on increasing its life extension services. Using the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) produced by ATK, the vehicle’s primary mission is to dock with an orbiting satellite and serve as the propulsion and attitude control systems. With this, it will allow mission extension for satellites that have already run out of fuel, but still have a healthy payload and power system. In a company statement, ViviSat COO Bryan McGuirk said: "Life extension is the founding mission for the MEV. However, we have an increasing interest by customers and the scientific community in our unique agility and the large Space, Weight and Power (SWAP) that we can accommodate.” Joe Anderson, ATK Chief Engineer and Director of MEV noted that the vehicle has the ability to host payloads more than 200 kg and even accommodate power demands greater than 2kW. He added that the differentiating feature of the Mission Extension Vehicle capability compared to other GEO Commsat hosts is its ability to be located at any orbital slot or even multiple slots temporarily, as arranged for by the payload provider. Recommended additional reading:
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