The ConeXpress orbital life extension vehicle has passed its European Space Agency baseline design review. The space tug's developer, UK-based Orbital Recovery, will now begin final negotiations with four prospective customers.
The company has identified up to 70 potential satellites possibly requiring life extension. "All our customers are private, not government, and they are all tier one or tier two satellite operators," says chairman and chief executive Philip Braden.
The next phase involves integration of vehicle hardware into mission simulations. Braden is planning to place component production contracts soon.
Source: Flight International
