Solstar Tests Wi-Fi Link for Orbital Proximity Operations

The successful 30-minute connection validates a new method for transmitting data between spacecraft in close proximity.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Space

Isometric editorial illustration showing two spacecraft connected by a bridge of digital light, representing orbital data relay connectivity. — Solstar successfully tested a Wi-Fi link between a NASA cubesat and an orbital service vehicle, validating a new data-relay communication architecture. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Solstar has successfully demonstrated a Wi-Fi link between a NASA cubesat and an orbital service vehicle. This mission marks a step toward autonomous space operations by relaying more than 2,300 data files to Earth via the Iridium satellite constellation.

Why it matters

The successful data relay validates a communication architecture for autonomous spacecraft servicing and manufacturing in orbit. This capability provides a pathway for near-field connectivity between orbital assets that currently lack standardized, high-volume data-transfer protocols.

The Deke Space Communicator maintained a 30-minute connection during proximity operations, leveraging a link tested to exceed 200 meters in ground simulations. Data moved from the cubesat to the Vigoride-7 vehicle before reaching the Johnson Space Center through Iridium satellites.

The players

Solstar

A San Francisco-based developer of space-based communications hardware and data relay services.

NASA

The United States government agency responsible for space research and aerospace operations.

Iridium Communications

A satellite communications provider that operates a constellation of LEO satellites used for voice and data.

Encore Technologies Corp.

A venture investor that provided $1 million to Solstar in 2026.

The details

The system utilizes the Deke Space Communicator, a hardware interface mounted on the Vigoride-7 service vehicle, to establish a local Wi-Fi handshake with the cubesat. Optical, infrared, and lidar sensors collected telemetry, which the system then packets and routes through the Iridium constellation—a network of low-Earth orbit satellites used for global communications. This architecture enables orbit-based instruments to offload large datasets directly to ground stations, bypassing the need for dedicated line-of-sight tracking for every packet.

June 2026: Encore Technologies Corp. invested $1 million in Solstar.
October 20, 2026: Solstar announced the mission results.

The Tech Race

This mission establishes a foundational dataset for autonomous AI models designed to manage proximity maneuvers. It serves as a practical implementation of the connectivity requirements sought by NASA for future modular satellite servicing and lunar infrastructure projects.

This technology aims to streamline the workflow for satellite servicing and manufacturing, potentially reducing the manual oversight required for orbital maintenance. Future adoption will depend on integrating this Wi-Fi communication interface into the standard design specifications for commercial and government small-sat fleets.

The takeaway

The successful transmission of 2,300 files demonstrates that off-the-shelf-adjacent wireless protocols can function in proximity-based orbital operations. Industry stakeholders should watch for future testing of this relay technology during upcoming satellite servicing missions.