Deke Space Communicator Relays Data From Orbit

The router demonstrates a commercial alternative for satellite telemetry as NASA retires its legacy relay systems.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Space

Isometric editorial illustration of a metallic space satellite with a high-gain antenna, representing a commercial orbital data relay system. — Solstar Space Co. successfully demonstrated the Deke Space Communicator, a commercial router for orbiting satellites that bridges the gap left by retiring NASA relay hardware. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Solstar Space Co. successfully transmitted over 2,300 files from orbit using its Deke Space Communicator, a router integrated into a satellite traveling at 17,000 mph. This demonstrated transmission occurred during a September 2026 proximity operation between NASA and Momentus Inc. assets.

Why it matters

The successful trial addresses a critical gap as NASA retires its legacy high-bandwidth tracking and data relay satellite systems. Establishing reliable commercial space-to-ground connectivity is essential for managing the growing volume of telemetry and diagnostic data from increasingly active orbits.

The Deke Space Communicator maintained connectivity while moving at 17,000 mph, relaying data to NASA's Johnson Space Center via an Iridium Communications Inc. network link. The system processed images, telemetry, and health-status data during a 30-minute proximity operation.

The players

Solstar Space Co.

A Santa Fe-based firm specializing in space-based communication hardware and commercial orbital routing services.

NASA

The United States federal agency managing the civil space program and testing new commercial data relay capabilities.

Momentus Inc.

An orbital logistics provider whose Vigoride-7 satellite platform served as the host for the Deke Communicator.

Iridium Communications Inc.

A provider of satellite voice and data communications operating a large-scale LEO constellation.

Encore Technologies Corp.

An investment firm that provided a $1 million capital infusion to Solstar in July 2026.

The details

The Deke system functions as a space-based router, capturing and relaying data streams that would otherwise require direct ground-station contact. By leveraging the Iridium Communications Inc. satellite constellation, it creates a persistent bridge for spacecraft, such as the Momentus Inc. Vigoride-7, to offload diagnostic telemetry. This approach bypasses the reliance on fixed NASA relay infrastructure, utilizing orbiting hardware to maintain a data link despite the extreme orbital velocities of the satellites involved.

March 2026: The Deke system launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
April 15, 2026: The Deke system was powered on in orbit.
September 2026: The system completed its data transmission during proximity operations.

The Tech Race

As NASA retires its high-bandwidth communication system on tracking and data relay satellites, commercial entities are racing to provide alternative orbital data links. Solstar's performance provides a concrete benchmark against existing proprietary government relay protocols.

The system is currently limited to enterprise and government logistics, providing a potential template for future commercial space traffic management. Widespread adoption remains contingent on successful integration with upcoming moon landing systems from providers like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The takeaway

The successful data transfer confirms that commercial off-the-shelf routing can support high-speed orbital telemetry needs. Readers should track upcoming results from the integration of these routers with planned moon landing systems over the next two years.