March, 9 early in the morning the rocket Atlas 5 belonging to United Launch Alliance placed on the orbit six experimental satellites within the framework of mission Space Test Program-1 VVS the USA (USAF). The main goal is robot-satellite, intended for repairing and refueling of other satellites.
Not surprising, that main attention was turned on the mission of Orbital Express. This bright project was developed and carried out by Boeing company, together with a number of partners. The project was ordered by research agency of Pentagona (DARPA) within the framework of his program Orbital Express Space Operations Architecture.
The mission of Orbital Express — is two satellites at once, one of which (named ASTRO) is actually orbital refueler and repairer, and the second (NextSat) — tester purpose for him. A repairer weighs 952 kilograms, and his ward - 226 kilograms.
Obviously, in order that the serial models of experimental ASTRO were able to refuel satellites with an empty petrol “tank” and replace some blocks on defective space vessels, the last must be beforehand projected taking into account such repair.
During three months these vessels will conduct tests on automatic rapprochement (at least, from distance 4,35 miles and, possibly, to thousand), docking, refueling and replacement of blocks.

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