CMU Robotics Institute assists Northrop Grumman in achieving satellite in-orbit docking and refueling

The CMU Robotics Institute's Howie Choset team provided analysis and modeling support for Northrop Grumman's Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV). The new docking technology inserts a probe into the target satellite's liquid apogee engine nozzle to complete docking, and has been successfully executed multiple times in orbit. The MRV launched from Cape Canaveral in July this year and, in addition to refueling, can also support in-orbit repair, component replacement, and upgrades.