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tonyPick writes:

Over at spacenews there is a report on an Israeli startup, called Effective Space Solutions which is proposing to use a microsatellite with an Ion drive to salvage the currently stranded Galileo satellites, as well as to provide extended lifespans for current satellites.

The 250-kilogram DeOrbiter, using ion-electric propulsion, is designed to perform multiple missions — more than 20, the company says — attaching and detaching from target satellites before being retired.

...

While the Galileo orbit-injection failure allowed EFS to ride a publicity wave, the principal mission of DeOrbiter is to extend the life of otherwise healthy satellites, mainly in geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometers over the equator, where commercial telecommunications satellites operate.

Interestingly it also looks like the company also has several competitors eyeing the robotic recovery and rescue of in-orbit satellites as a viable business.

Full Story at over at Spacenews.com