These robotic satellites, known as "service stations in orbit," could drastically improve the lifespan of satellites.
The robots could fix minor maintenance issues, keeping up with current orbiters as they age and sustain damage.
Currently faulty systems can rarely be repaired in space and have to be replaced, which is difficult and expensive.
Additionally, the repair bots could sabotage enemy satellites in the event of space war. Possible applications would include dismantling opponents or forcing them to crash, 'Futurism' reported.
These objects travel at high speeds and could pose a serious hazard to new satellites and spacecraft venturing beyond the Earth.