Solstar Space Demonstrates Space-to-Space Connectivity During NASA Proximity Operations Technology Demonstration

October 21, 2026

 Solstar Space 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.

Momentus Vigoride-7 photographed during proximity operations by NASA’s R5-S10 CubeSat. The image was transferred over Solstar’s Wi-Fi connection to its Deke Space Communicator and relayed to Johnson Space Center via Iridium. Credit: NASA/JSC

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.

Render showing Solstar Space Wi-Fi communications between NASA’s R5-S10 CubeSat and Momentus’ Vigoride-7 sending images and data to NASA’s Johnson Space Center using the Solstar Deke Space Communicator to relay vital mission information via the Iridium network. Credit: Solstar Space

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.