Over the last few years, a few different organizations have kick-started projects to research on-orbit satellite servicing. Goddard Spaceflight Center has the Robotic Refuelling Mission (RRM) on Space Station right now, MDA Space Missions in Canada just completed the Next Generation Canadarm program to build two new robotic arms to service broken-down satellites on-orbit, and now also the DARPA Phoenix Program with the intent of re-purposing satellites that are currently in a graveyard orbit.

While each  embody the same fundamental ideas, the path to the end goal is varied and all are a catalyst for the next generation of a tele-operated servicing mission.

Check out DARPA’s short animated video describing what exactly would be involved in the mission!