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ConeXpress OLEV - Will A Good Tug Save Hubble?
The ConeXpress Orbital Life Extension Vehicle (CX-OLEV) may be able to serve as a "space tug" that could extend the life of the Hubble telescope. They were designed to work with telecommunication satellites, providing propulsion, navigation and guidance. Satellites placed in the wrong orbit by their launch vehicles, or stranded during manuevers, can now be rescued and repositioned.
(From Orbital Recovery Corp)
The CX-OLEV will be launched using the Ariane 5; see the above picture, which shows the CX-OLEV as it is being deployed in orbit.
(From Orbital Recovery Corp)
The CX-OLEV is operated from Earth; once it pursues and finds its target (see picture above), it latches on and uses its propulsion and guidance systems to reposition the satellite. The CX-OLEV can remain in place for up to ten years.
Fans of William Gibson may recall the Marcus Garvey, the space tug from his 1984 novel Neuromancer.
Find more information at ConeXpress OLEV; original story from Space Tug could save Hubble.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/15/2004)
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