Starfish Space and Impulse Space achieve breakthrough in autonomous satellite operations with successful Remora mission

Starfish Space and Impulse Space have announced the successful completion of the “Remora” mission, representing a notable advancement in autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Conducted discreetly without prior notice, this demonstration validated cutting-edge software for satellite navigation and showcased impressive maneuvering capabilities achieved with minimal equipment. The Remora mission marked a significant industry milestone by executing a fully autonomous rendezvous using only a lightweight camera and advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) software housed in a peripheral flight computer.

The mission was performed using Impulse Space’s Mira spacecraft, which was part of the LEO Express-2 flight under SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission, launched on January 14, 2025. This mission included more than 100 payloads, with Impulse Space’s LEO Express-2 being notable for its Mira orbital transfer vehicle, which weighed 294 kilograms at launch.

Mira serves as a platform for various space situational awareness camera systems from Starfish Space, HEO Robotics, and Impulse Space, and has been upgraded to extend mission duration through enhanced communications capabilities. Although the previous Mira mission had moved past its active phase by mid-2024 due to communication issues, tracking data indicated that it executed several maneuvers starting in mid-December through January.

During the Remora mission, Starfish’s technology allowed the LEO Express-2 Mira to carry out close-proximity maneuvers with a previous Mira spacecraft from the LEO Express-1 mission. Starfish’s autonomous software guided these maneuvers, bringing the active spacecraft within about 1,250 meters of the target. Contrasting with traditional RPO missions, which typically depend on larger spacecraft equipped with multiple sensors, the Remora mission succeeded using only a single visual-range camera provided by TRL11.

Images collected were processed on-site using Starfish’s CETACEAN computer vision software, which calculated relative positions in real-time. This data informed trajectory calculations, enabling continuous closed-loop commands to Mira’s thrusters for fully autonomous operations.

The mission also validated Starfish’s core GNC software suite, CETACEAN and CEPHALOPOD, paving the way for future Otter satellite servicing missions, with collaborations planned with clients such as SES, the U.S. Space Force, and NASA set to commence in 2026.

Dr. Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish Space, expressed pride in the mission’s outcome, stating that it demonstrates their unique capabilities in RPO. He also highlighted that the success bolsters confidence as preparations intensify for upcoming Otter launches next year.

Impulse’s Mira spacecraft is noted for its agility, outfitted with eight Saiph thrusters delivering up to 208 newtons of thrust, along with cold-gas reaction control to manage attitude. Eric Romo, President and COO of Impulse Space, emphasized Mira’s responsiveness and suitability for this mission’s requirements, mentioning that they were able to transition from concept to execution in under a year. He expressed optimism for future RPO missions and collaborations.

The Remora mission, rapidly developed over nine months, illustrates the modular compatibility of both Starfish Space’s and Impulse Space’s systems, setting the stage for more collaborative RPO projects. Starfish Space, established in 2019 and located in Tukwila, Washington, focuses on satellite servicing, with their Otter vehicle designed for life extension and disposal services. The company has successfully raised over $50 million in funding, gearing up for comprehensive Otter missions starting in 2026.