Robotic satellite-servicing vehicle and life-extension spacecraft launched by Northrop GrummanNewsDan Taylor Technology Editor Military Embedded SystemsMRV and three MEPs via SpaceXCAPE CANAVERAL, Florida. Northrop Grumman launched its Mission Robotic Vehicle and three Mission Extension Pods for satellite servicing, life extension and future artificial intelligence-enabled operations, the company announced in a statement. The Mission Robotic Vehicle was developed through company investment and collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the statement reads. The Mission Extension Pods provide supplemental propulsion for satellites that require additional service life or maneuvering capability, Northrop Grumman states. Northrop Grumman also supplied thermal-control components and electronics for the robotic arms, as well as electronics used in the spacecraft’s electric-propulsion thrusters.