DATA LINK ESTABLISHED: Solstar Validates Wi-Fi for Orbital Proximity Operations
Solstar Space has successfully demonstrated its Deke Space Communicator, facilitating high-speed Wi-Fi data transfer between a NASA cubesat and Momentus’ Vigoride-7 during orbital proximity operations.
# TERMINAL LOG: PROXIMITY COMMS VALIDATED
Solstar Space has successfully demonstrated orbital Wi-Fi connectivity during a high-stakes proximity operations mission involving NASA and Momentus. According to SpaceNews, the hardware—dubbed the Deke Space Communicator—was integrated onto the Vigoride-7 orbital service vehicle to bridge communications with NASA’s R5-S10 cubesat.
MISSION PARAMETERS
During a 30-minute window of proximity maneuvers, the Deke hardware facilitated the transfer of over 2,300 files. The data package included optical, infrared, and lidar telemetry, relayed from the spacecraft to NASA’s Johnson Space Center via an experimental link provided by Iridium Communications. Ground testing prior to the launch indicated the Wi-Fi link remains viable at distances exceeding 200 meters.
OPERATIONAL IMPACT
Solstar CEO Brian Barnett confirmed the mission serves as a commercial milestone after a decade of development. Beyond simple telemetry, the high-volume data recovered will be utilized to train artificial intelligence models designed for future autonomous orbital operations.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Momentus CEO John Rood highlighted that the mission validates the interoperability of commercial off-the-shelf communication standards in the vacuum of space. Solstar emphasizes that persistent 24/7 connectivity is a critical requirement for the next generation of orbital manufacturing, satellite servicing, and lunar surface operations.
Funding for Solstar’s continued scaling is supported by a recent $1 million investment from Encore Technologies Corp, signaling increased market confidence in standardized space-link protocols.