SpaceX will launch a satellite repair drone with robot arms to Earth orbit today: How to watch it live

SpaceX is set to launch a significant mission from Cape Canaveral today, marking a shift in how we maintain infrastructure in orbit. A Falcon 9 rocket will carry the Mission Robotic Vehicle, a specialized spacecraft equipped with two 10-foot-long robotic arms developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. This mission aims to install Mission Extension Pods onto commercial satellites currently operating in geostationary orbit.

The operation is managed by SpaceLogistics, a division of Northrop Grumman. These robotic arms will attach the pods to client satellites, providing extra fuel and propulsion to extend their operational lifespan by up to eight years. The pods act as jetpacks for the satellites, allowing them to maintain precise positions without exhausting their own onboard propellant supplies. Intelsat and Optus are among the first clients to utilize this new technology.

The mission goes beyond simple life extension. The Mission Robotic Vehicle is capable of inspecting, repairing, and upgrading spacecraft while they remain in orbit. It also carries a Passive Refueling Module, the first standardized refueling interface approved by the U.S. Space Force, which allows the robot itself to be refueled for future service calls.

This launch presents a unique flight profile for SpaceX. Due to the high energy requirements for reaching geostationary orbit, the Falcon 9 first-stage booster will not return to Earth for a landing. This marks the final mission for this specific booster, which has completed 31 previous flights. The launch window opens at 5:15 p.m. EDT, and the event will be broadcast live for those who want to watch the hardware depart.