Impulse Space and Starfish Space Successfully Demonstrate Autonomous Orbital Rendezvous with Mira Satellite
Impulse Space and Starfish Space completed the Remora mission, demonstrating autonomous orbital rendezvous in low Earth orbit. The mission utilized advanced software architecture instead of heavy sensors, validating key technologies for satellite maintenance and debris management.
The Remora mission involved the Mira transfer vehicle, launched in January 2025, which autonomously maneuvered to approach a predecessor Mira vehicle launched over a year prior. Starfish's navigation software, Cetacean and Cephalopod, guided the vehicle using a single optical camera from TRL11.
The approach reached approximately 1,250 meters from the target, showcasing effective closed-loop navigation. This mission sets the stage for future projects, like Starfish's Otter vehicle, aimed at satellite inspection and deorbiting. Contracts with NASA and the US Space Force for 2026 further solidify the operational credibility of these technologies.
