Solstar's space Wi-Fi technology connects NASA's R5-S10 spacecraft with Momentus' Vigoride-7 and relays mission data to NASA Johnson, opening new opportunities for on-orbit operations.
HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --
HIGHLIGHTS:
- On-Orbit Connectivity Demonstrated: Solstar's Deke Space Communicator™ relayed mission imagery, telemetry and health-status data via experimental licensed use of the Iridium network during NASA's R5-S10 proximity operations mission. Space-tested connectivity opens new possibilities for spacecraft inspection, servicing and assembly for government, military and commercial use cases.
- 2,300+ Files Collected During On-Orbit Operations: During the 30-minute proximity operation, Solstar's Deke Space Communicator collected more than 2,300 images, optical, infrared and LiDAR sensor data files from the S10 and Vigoride-7 spacecraft and relayed mission data to Johnson Space Center.
- Mission Success: Combined spacecraft maneuvering and navigation, proximity operations and satellite relay capabilities in a single on-orbit demonstration.
- Foundation for Greater Autonomy: The mission demonstrated the on-demand connectivity by collecting real-world data to support increasingly autonomous spacecraft missions and future proximity operations.
Solstar Space (Solstar), a pioneer in space-based communications, announced that its Deke Space Communicator successfully demonstrated critical on-orbit Wi-Fi communications during NASA's R5-S10 CubeSat proximity operations near the Momentus, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNTS) (Momentus) Vigoride-7. The mission collected images and optical, infrared and LiDAR sensor data between the spacecraft at varying distances and under multiple lighting conditions. Solstar's Deke Space Communicator transmitted images, telemetry and health-status data via an experimental space relay link provided by Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) (Iridium) to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, demonstrating the on-demand connectivity required for increasingly autonomous on-orbit spacecraft operations.
During the roughly 30-minute proximity operation between the two spacecraft, Solstar's Deke Space Communicator collected more than 2,300 files, including images and optical, infrared and LiDAR sensor data, transmitting a subset from NASA's CubeSat via Wi-Fi to Deke aboard Vigoride-7 to project leaders at NASA Johnson during the mission.
Solstar's communications technology provided the mission team timely access to information that helped validate the proximity operation and achieve its objectives. Working with NASA and Momentus, the demonstration established a space-to-space connection that allowed the R5-S10 CubeSat to send imagery and other data to the Deke Space Communicator for delivery to analysts on Earth via the Iridium network. The results contribute to further application of small spacecraft to provide a practical, cost-conscious option for on-orbit inspection.
Together, these accomplishments advance technologies that could support more complex operations including servicing satellites, assembling structures in orbit and supporting future commercial destinations. The demonstration confirmed Solstar's in-space communication solutions can provide the connectivity capabilities future missions require.
This program marks a major milestone for Solstar, moving its connectivity architecture from development to demonstrated on-orbit capability during a NASA technology demonstration. Solstar's technology connected spacecraft in orbit and enabled data to be relayed back to Earth, demonstrating key elements of an end-to-end communications architecture designed to serve a growing ecosystem of satellites, orbital servicing missions, commercial space stations and future lunar operations.
Commenting on the proximity operations mission, Brian Barnett, founder and CEO of Solstar Space Company, said:
"We are proud to work alongside NASA, Momentus and Iridium to demonstrate a new level of connectivity for spacecraft operating in close proximity. 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."
Commenting on the experimental nature of the demonstration, Iridium, Vice President of Government Solutions, Ethan Haase said,
"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. 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."
Commenting on the successful proximity operations mission, John Rood, CEO of Momentus Space, said:
"We are proud of the strategic partnership with Solstar and the excellent results of our work together. 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."
The R5-S10 technology demonstration mission is funded and managed by NASA's Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems (SSDS) and the Engineering Directorate at NASA Johnson. The SSDS is based at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley and operates in the agency's Research and Technology Mission Directorate.
Learn how Solstar's in-space communications solutions can support complex missions at www.solstarspace.com.
Media Inquiries | Lisa Dreher | [email protected] | +1 425-442-1301
Investor Inquiries | Brian Barnett | [email protected] | +1 505-389-2299
Business Inquiries | Brian Barnett | [email protected] | +1 505-389-2299
ABOUT SOLSTAR SPACE
Solstar Space is a commercial space-based connectivity company pioneering persistent on-demand communications services for on-orbit assets, including satellites, space stations and launch vehicles. The company connects spacecraft with Earth-based payload managers and satellite operators and enables communications for crewed missions in suborbital space, low Earth orbit, cislunar space and on the lunar surface.
Solstar is developing fast, reliable services including space-tested routers, Wi-Fi access points, hotspots and space-based, intelligent satellite data relays to deliver on-orbit connectivity backed by 24/7 customer care. Installed on satellites and other spacecraft before launch, these devices keep crews, spacecraft and Earth-based operations teams connected. Visit https://www.solstarspace.com.
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ABOUT IRIDIUM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) operates the world's only truly global mobile satellite network. It serves as a platform for innovation, enabling voice, data, and messaging, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), and aircraft surveillance services anywhere on Earth. Through its satellite constellation and integrated capabilities like Aireon, the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system, Iridium delivers services that support safety-focused operations across aviation, maritime, government, industrial, and consumer markets. The company is a leader in satellite Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and is advancing direct-to-device (D2D) communications based on open standards to expand access to satellite services.
Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium innovates through an ecosystem of more than 500 technology and distribution partners, serving millions of customers worldwide. For more information visit https://www.iridium.com/.
ABOUT MOMENTUS, INC.
Momentus is a U.S. commercial space company offering satellites, satellite components, and in-space transportation and infrastructure services. Through its Vigoride orbital service vehicle, the Company delivers hosted payload support, last-mile delivery, and servicing capabilities tailored to scalable mission architectures.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements which may constitute "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected filing of the Company's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and its management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, and are not guarantees of future performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Momentus' control. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties included under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 31, 2026, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Commission, accessible on the Commission's website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at investors.momentus.space. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Momentus Contact:
Media Inquiries | [email protected]
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Business Inquiries | [email protected]
Media Contact
Lisa Dreher, Solstar Space, 1 (425) 442-1301, [email protected], https://solstarspace.com/
SOURCE Solstar Space
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