Orbital Recovery's CX-OLEV "Space Tug" Passes Major Program Milestone

Mission modeling performed with simulators confirmed the CX-OLEV's ability to carry out its high-value space servicing flights, including the precision approach and docking phase with telecommunications satellites.

The CX-OLEV will supply the propulsion, navigation and guidance to maintain valuable telecommunications satellites in their proper orbital slots for up to eight additional years.

And all this from a commercial European consortium, despite the fact that the EU is still holding high-level consultations on planning for a conference to discuss the terms for building consensus on evolving a process for developing a unified space policy. How do they manage without leadership from Brussels?

(Snarkiness aside, this is a promising development for European commercial space efforts.)

Posted by T.L. James on April 17, 2005 12:32 PM