FRS Martin 1989 - Flight Robotic Servicer. NASA decided to develop a $288-million Flight Telerobotic Servicer in 1987 after Congress voiced concern about American competitiveness in the field of robotics. Credit: NASA via Marcus Lindroos. 30,526 bytes. 396 x 300 pixels.

NASA decided to develop a $288-million Flight Telerobotic Servicer in 1987 after Congress voiced concern about American competitiveness in the field of robotics. The FTS would also help astronauts assemble the Space Station, which was growing bigger and more complex with each redesign. Martin Marietta and Grumman received $1.5-million study contracts in November 1987. Martin Marietta received a $297-million contract in May 1989 to develop a vehicle by 1993. The Bush Administration briefly tried to commercialise the FTS project in early 1989. The contractors objected since the FTS had no commercial customers. The FTS was then combined with the Orbital Manoeuvring Vehicle into the Robotic Satellite Servicer concept.

Article by Marcus Lindroos

---

FRS 1989 - Flight Robotic Servicer Credit: NASA via Marcus Lindroos. 20,626 bytes. 328 x 300 pixels.

---