[fieldmarshaldj]

*ping*

[jz638]

This is a big deal, especially if the missions can include not just refueling but maintenance and upgrades. I think it would be a bigger deal if it were put into orbit on an American launch vehicle.

[Bobalu]

I’m guessing that this kind of capability has already been used to service the very large NRO SIGINT sats in geo orbit ...if it hasn’t, then what was the breakdown?

[StormEye]

"They can dock with 80 percent of current geostationary
satellites, even if they weren't designed for servicing."

Have American satellites been designed to be refueled in orbit?
Have they been designed for automated, robotic service in orbit?
When did this start?

[fella]

We’re letting Russia launch our Intelsat servicing vessels?

Don’t be surprised if those Intelsats are involved in accidents or “fail” at a critical time.

[Paal Gulli]

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if America could build its own rockets and such, instead of having to pay the godless Russians to drive us around in what is essentially a 40-year-old Soviet launch vehicle?