Space Machines unveils Optimus Viper for satellite repair

Satellite manufacturer Space Machines Company Space Machines Company (SMC) today unveiled Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft specifically designed to provide immediate, high-fidelity intelligence and protection for critical space assets.

Operating at distances less than 10 kilometres from target satellites, Optimus Viper delivers detailed, actionable intelligence about critical space infrastructure that, until now, has been impossible to achieve.

The announcement signals a fundamental shift in space operations, introducing the world’s first distributed, hyperscale production approach to delivering rapid on-orbit response for both national security and commercial space assets.

CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company Rajat Kulshrestha said: “During a time of rapidly evolving threats, space sustainability and security isn’t defined by the size of our systems but by their resilience and adaptability.

“Optimus Viper will revolutionise how we operate in space by delivering distributed and dynamic capabilities at a fraction of traditional costs.

“In today’s contested space domain, where billions in critical infrastructure face immediate threats, rapid intelligence and protection capabilities are vital to safeguarding our way of life.”

The new system builds on lessons learned from the launch of SMC’s inaugural satellite Optimus earlier this year aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Optimus Viper is described as an agile 200-kilogram class ‘space first responder’ that can deploy within 24 hours of launch and operate within 10 kilometres of target satellites, combining enhanced autonomous capabilities with Solstice OS (Space Machines AI-driven orbital operating system).

The platform’s flexibility enables rapid reconfiguration for different objectives, from space domain awareness to precise orbital monitoring.

SMC is introducing commercial pricing for proximity inspection at $2-3M USD per inspection in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — a fraction of the tens of millions it can cost currently.

“This dramatic shift in economics makes advanced space security accessible to both government and commercial operators while supporting the expanding commercial space economy.”

SMC plans to expand its Australian manufacturing capabilities (pictured) to produce Optimus Viper Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV) at speed and scale.

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Picture: Space Machines Company/Optimus Viper