Orbital Robotics Will Demonstrate Space Servicing in 2027

The Seattle startup aims to test autonomous satellite repair techniques on the International Space Station.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Robotics

Isometric editorial illustration of a robotic arm and a cube-shaped compute unit, illustrating autonomous space servicing technology. — Seattle-based startup Orbital Robotics plans to conduct three autonomous satellite servicing demonstrations on the International Space Station in 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Will commercial robotic arm technology successfully enable the reuse of satellites in orbit?

Seattle-based Orbital Robotics will launch three separate demonstrations to the International Space Station in the third quarter of 2027. The project, announced as an internally funded effort, will test the ability to capture and upgrade robotic units in orbit.

Why it matters

This mission seeks to validate technical capabilities for satellite maintenance and hardware upgrades in microgravity. Successfully demonstrating remote repair processes would establish a foundation for extending the operational lifespan of orbital infrastructure.

The mission will test scaled-down versions of the company's ORA-A robotic arm on three Astrobee robots. These units are tasked with capturing a second Astrobee to perform a compute module replacement, testing the feasibility of modular hardware swaps.

The players

Orbital Robotics

A Seattle-based startup focused on developing autonomous robotic systems for satellite servicing and in-orbit maintenance.

Arkisys

An orbital infrastructure firm serving as the implementation partner for the upcoming ISS mission.

The details

The mission utilizes the Astrobee — a cube-shaped autonomous robot used for station maintenance and research — as a platform for the ORA-A arm. During the demonstrations, crew members will install the arms onto the robots to facilitate capture and service operations. By swapping compute modules on a mobile unit, the mission simulates the process of performing field upgrades on satellites currently in operation.

2024: Orbital Robotics was founded.
Q3 2027: Planned launch of robotic arms to the International Space Station.
Late 2027: Launch of the Fly Foundational Robots mission.

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The Tech Race

This mission builds upon the existing automation protocols established by the NASA Astrobee Facility. It signals a move toward modular, field-serviceable satellite design, competing with broader industry efforts to automate orbital logistics.

The demonstration focuses on orbital mechanics and satellite servicing rather than terrestrial consumer technology. Its success will serve as a technical benchmark for aerospace engineers and commercial space companies evaluating the feasibility of future in-orbit repair services.

The takeaway

Orbital Robotics aims to prove that complex hardware upgrades can be performed remotely in microgravity. Watch for the Fly Foundational Robots mission launch in late 2027 to see if the robotic arms can successfully complete the module replacement benchmark.