U.S., UK Space Commands Conduct First Joint Satellite Maneuvers

U.S. and U.K. Space Commands conducted their first coordinated satellite rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), marking a significant advancement in allied space defense cooperation under the U.S.-led Operation Olympic Defender coalition. Meanwhile, defense company Anduril Industries and startup Impulse Space are preparing a self-funded demonstration mission to perform autonomous RPO in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) aimed at enhancing U.S. Space Force capabilities. The mission, planned for late 2026, will utilize Impulse's Mira spacecraft and Helios kick stage to rapidly transfer from low Earth orbit to GEO, showcasing high-thrust maneuverability and AI-powered autonomous navigation. This effort addresses growing demand from the Space Force for commercially available, cost-effective, and highly maneuverable satellites to navigate increasingly contested and congested space environments, crucial for space domain awareness and orbital defense. Anduril and Impulse emphasize "freedom of maneuver" as a foundational capability for future space missions, enabling satellites to safely inspect, monitor, and respond to threats on orbit autonomously. These developments underscore the strategic importance of RPO technology to maintain space security and operational flexibility amid rising threats from adversaries' counterspace capabilities.