THE SMART OLEV

The purpose-built SMART Orbital Life Extension Vehicle (SMART-OLEV™) will serve as a "space tug" system, taking over the attitude and orbit control functions to prolong the revenue-producing lifetimes of telecommunications satellites in geostationary orbit.

SMART-OLEV also can serve as a rescue system for satellites deployed in incorrect orbits because of launch vehicle failures. In this scenario, the SMART-OLEV will move the spacecraft to its intended orbital slot.

The SMART-OLEV is a compact, highly efficient platform that makes the optimum use of proven technology. It is based on SMART-1, Europe's first Moon probe, which was developed by the Swedish Space Corporation for the European Space Agency. Launched by an Ariane 5 in September 2003, SMART-1 performed a highly successful mission that included observations in lunar orbit. Its flight was extended from the original six-month duration to a total of 22 months.

SMART-OLEV is designed to easily mate with the majority of three-axis stabilized telecommunications satellites now in space or planned – and is optimized for spacecraft with a dry weight of approximately two metric tons.

After launch, it will rendezvous with the satellite, approaching it from above for docking. The SMART-OLEV will link up using a special docking tool that connects to the telecommunication satellite's apogee kick motor. Apogee kick motors are fitted on nearly every telecommunications satellite for orbital boost and station-keeping, and they provide a strong, easily accessible interface point for the SMART-OLEV linkup that is aligned with the satellite's center of gravity.

In contrast with other competing propositions, the SMART-OLEV will operate with satellites that have not been designed for on-orbit servicing. This ensures a large potential market, and reduces the complexity/risks that come with on-orbit refueling and satellite reconfiguration.

SMART-OLEV's docking tool, which is based on developed technology, has been exclusively licensed from the DLR German Space Agency.