Anduril Industries and Impulse Space have announced an expanded collaboration to conduct a Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) mission demonstration in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), according to the companies. The partnership aims to advance the capabilities of U.S. and allied space operations through precise and maneuverable orbital technologies.
Impulse Space will provide its Mira spacecraft along with the Helios kick stage to enable accurate insertion into GEO. Anduril will contribute its Lattice command and control software, allowing a single operator to manage multiple spacecraft efficiently. Additionally, Anduril will supply payloads including a long-wave infrared (LWIR) imager and a mission data processor to support the demonstration.
The demonstration is scheduled for launch in late 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. According to the companies, the mission highlights the potential for commercially funded space initiatives and addresses the growing need for agile, cost-effective satellite systems. Officials emphasized that operational freedom of maneuver will be critical for future space missions, and this demonstration is intended to pave the way for future Department of Defense applications.
