Two commercial spacecraft recently completed an impressive meeting in Earth’s orbit. This event marks a significant step toward future satellite servicing missions.
The mission, named Remora, was a collaboration between Starfish Space and Impulse Space. A compact Mira orbital transfer vehicle from Impulse used software from Starfish to approach another Mira spacecraft, getting to within just 4,100 feet. This demonstration tested new technology for autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).
Impulse Space’s President, Eric Romo, expressed excitement about the mission’s quick development, saying it went from idea to execution in less than a year. Their aim is to carry out more RPO missions in various orbits moving forward.
The mission utilized a modified Mira equipped with a lightweight camera and two software programs from Starfish, named Cetacean and Cephalopod. The spacecraft launched in January 2025 as part of SpaceX’s Transporter 12 mission, which delivered 131 payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO).
During its LEO Express 2 mission, this Mira conducted various operations, including deploying cubesats and performing precision engine burns. Then, it began the Remora mission without public awareness.
Using its advanced software, the Mira successfully rendezvoused with another Mira that had launched previously during SpaceX’s Transporter 9 in November 2023. The close approach occurred in late October, and photos captured during this period revealed the impressive distance intervals, starting from 6.2 miles down to 4,100 feet.
Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish Space, emphasized the mission’s importance in validating their autonomous technology. This successful demonstration boosts confidence ahead of Starfish’s upcoming vehicle, the Otter, designed for satellite servicing tasks, such as refueling and repairs.
The Remora mission isn’t the first of its kind. Previous attempts, like the Otter Pup 1, launched in June 2023, faced challenges but still showcased maneuverability by getting close to a different space tug.
Spacecraft technology is evolving rapidly. Recent studies show that the satellite servicing market is expected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting a value of $3 billion by 2030. As commercial space companies continue to innovate, expect to see more frequent missions aimed at expanding our capabilities in space.
This milestone highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance how we manage space assets and could revolutionize the future of satellite operations.
