satellite servicing missions
Satellite servicing missions involve sending spacecraft to repair, upgrade, or refuel satellites in orbit. These missions can extend the life of satellites, ensuring they continue to function effectively for communication, weather monitoring, and scientific research.
One notable example is the Hubble Space Telescope, which has undergone several servicing missions since its launch in 1990. Astronauts have replaced instruments and made repairs, allowing the telescope to provide valuable data about the universe for decades. Such missions demonstrate the potential for maintaining and enhancing space assets, reducing the need for new satellites.