Northrop Grumman Launches First Mission Robotic Vehicle for Autonomous Space Missions

On July 22, 2026, Northrop Grumman launched its Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) along with three Mission Extension Pods (MEPs). Built through a partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the MRV carries a robotics payload, two robotic arms, and a set of specialized tools to inspect satellites and carry out other routine servicing.

The three MEPs give satellites extra propulsion and maneuverability, helping extend their working life, while a separate Passive Refueling Module (PRM) lets the MRV itself be refueled on orbit for future missions. The vehicle also launched with the onboard processing needed to eventually support more autonomous operations.