Space Tug - MM -1990 Credit - NASA via Marcus Lindroos

After the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle encountered developmental problems in 1989-90, NASA tried to integrate the OMV and Flight Telerobotic Servicer into a 'Robotic Satellite Servicer.' This in turn was cancelled when the station's free-flying space platforms were deleted.

The Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle also encountered many problems in 1989-90 as the estimated total cost ballooned to $1 billion dollars -- an increase of $600 million. NASA then tried to integrate the OMV and Flight Telerobotic Servicer into a 'Robotic Satellite Servicer.' TRW and Martin Marietta were awarded $1.3-million phase B contracts in June 1990. However, neither project survived the Space Station redesign in late 1990; the cost was too high. The FTS was no longer necessary after the Space Station in-orbit assembly procedures were greatly simplified in 1990-91 while the OMV became less important after the Station's free-flying space platforms were cancelled.

Article by Marcus Lindroos