Solstar provides Wi-Fi connectivity for NASA proximity operations demonstration
SAN FRANCISCO – Wi-Fi technology from Solstar Space connected NASA’s R5-S10 cubesat with Momentus’ Vigoride-7 orbital service vehicle during proximity operations and relayed data to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Solstar announced Oct. 20.
The mission gave Solstar “real-world experience satisfying customers,” Solstar founder and CEO Brian Barnett told SpaceNews. “After three previous spaceflights and more than 10 years of work, what has emerged is a commercial product.”
During approximately 30 minutes of proximity operations, Solstar’s Deke Space Communicator sent more than 2,300 files including optical, infrared and lidar data collected on orbit to project leaders at NASA Johnson through an experimental data-relay link provided by Iridium Communications.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this mission is the opportunity to experiment with how Iridium’s constellation can support new types of on-orbit operations,” Ethan Haase, Iridium vice president government solutions, said in the news release. “By putting that connectivity to work in a proximity operation demonstration with Solstar, we can gain valuable insight into its potential role in future missions.”
Training data
The NASA mission also provided extensive data that be used to train artificial intelligence models for future autonomous missions including proximity operations, Barnett said.
To establish communications between spacecraft, NASA‘s Wi-Fi-enabled cubesat connected with Solstar’s Deke Space Communicator on Vigoride-7. In tests conduction on the ground prior to launch, the communications link between the NASA cubesat and Deke extended more than 200 meters.
“We are proud of the strategic partnership with Solstar and the excellent results of our work together,” Momentus CEO John Rood said in the news release. “Solstar added an important communications dimension to this mission, expanding the capabilities validated during proximity operations. Bringing together interoperable technologies expands what is possible on orbit and accelerates the development of a more connected space environment.”
Wi-Fi enabled payloads can remain in constant contact with ground controllers, Barnett said. “If we’re talking about manufacturing, satellite servicing or lunar operations, you need this capability to be in touch with your equipment 24/7.”
“We are proud to work alongside NASA, Momentus and Iridium to demonstrate a new level of connectivity for spacecraft operating in close proximity,” Barnett said in the news release. “This important program shows how Solstar’s technology can help spacecraft stay connected and deliver critical mission data in near real-time to flight controllers, space operators and mission operations engineers, laying the groundwork for more capable and coordinated activity in space.”
In June, Encore Technologies Corp. announced a $1 million investment in Solstar.
“That investment is further validation of what we’re building as Solstar moves into its next stage of growth,” Encore Technologies said in a statement.