Commercial Space Pilots Conducting Orbital Missions for the U.S. Space Force
Militaries often utilize satellites to observe competing technologies and assess their capabilities. However, the U.S. military increasingly sees the private sector as the key player in expanding such reconnaissance efforts.
In line with this approach, two space startups, True Anomaly and Rocket Lab, successfully executed a complex rendezvous mission for the U.S. Space Force last week, reminiscent of a scene from “Top Gun.” The two competing satellites met in orbit, allowing one to take pictures of the other.
The mission, known as Victus Haze, showcased the ability to closely examine a space vehicle shortly after its entry into orbit. This capability is crucial in a landscape where nations like the U.S., Russia, and China are deploying advanced space weaponry.
“China and Russia are regularly launching new capabilities into space, and it’s the Space Force’s responsibility to analyze these developments,” said True Anomaly CEO Evan Rogers, a veteran of military space initiatives. “Currently, we face gaps in our ability to gather information.”
During the June mission, Rocket Lab, known for its competitiveness with SpaceX, launched a spacecraft named Puma just 16 hours and 42 minutes after being notified, a remarkable feat considering most launches are planned months ahead.
A True Anomaly-built Jackal spacecraft was positioned in orbit, prepared to intercept Puma. The company operated without prior knowledge of Puma’s orbital position but managed to locate and identify it from 2,000 kilometers away using onboard sensors. The Jackal then maneuvered close to the target—details of the proximity remain classified—and orbited it to capture images of various components before returning to its original orbit.
Rogers remarked that, aside from NASA and Space Force missions involving human crews, “this ranks as one of the most complex rendezvous and proximity operations between two spacecraft in recent history.”
Coordinating two spacecraft in orbit, both traveling at speeds near 17,500 mph, is a challenging task. Past private endeavors, such as Northrop Grumman’s maintenance satellites or Astroscale’s efforts in space debris removal, have generally operated at much slower speeds.
Looking ahead, both companies are gearing up for increasingly challenging exercises, which may involve Puma attempting to dodge the Jackal while conducting its own inspection tasks.
Founded in 2022 by Rogers and a group of former military space professionals, True Anomaly aims to develop the necessary hardware and software for tasks designated to the U.S. Space Force since its establishment in 2019. Last month’s successful demonstration has moved this vision closer to reality.
“The unique value of this company lies in its comprehensive understanding of tactics and doctrines in this arena,” noted Seth Winterroth, a partner at Eclipse Ventures and board member of True Anomaly. “It’s not just about one type of spacecraft or software; it’s a profound grasp of the operational landscape.”
True Anomaly has raised over $1 billion, including $650 million in a recent funding round. The company now plans to compete for various task orders, particularly under the Space Force’s $6.2 billion Andromeda program, which seeks private sector partners for dynamic reconnaissance operations.
“Proven flight experience is crucial, and demonstrated capability is what truly resonates with these opportunities,” emphasized Rogers.
