For the first time, a spacecraft has returned an aging satellite to service

Enlarge / View of IS-901 satellite from Mission Extension Vehicle-1's "near hold" position. (credit: Northrop Grumman)

In a triumph for the nascent industry of "satellite servicing," an aging communications satellite has returned to service in geostationary orbit.

Northrop Grumman announced Friday that its Mission Extension Vehicle-1, or MEV-1, has restored the Intelsat 901 satellite and relocated it into a position to resume operations.

"We see increased demand for our connectivity services around the world, and preserving our customers' experience using innovative technology such as MEV-1 is helping us meet that need," Intelsat Chief Services Officer Mike DeMarco said in a news release.

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