NASA's CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration) rovers have been shipped to Intuitive Machines' facility in Houston for integration with the IM-3 lander, targeting an early 2026 lunar mission. The three suitcase-sized rovers will autonomously explore the Reiner Gamma region, testing collaborative data gathering without direct Earth commands. This initiative, managed by JPL, aims to demonstrate the potential of autonomous robot teams for future lunar missions.
Redwire has been awarded a contract to supply an additional Mako satellite platform for the U.S. Space Force's Tetra-6 in-orbit refueling experiment, scheduled for 2027. This follows a previous order for two Mako platforms for the Tetra-5 experiment. The Mako platforms will support rendezvous, docking, and propellant transfer operations in geostationary orbit, testing technologies for extending satellite lifespans.
Astroscale and ClearSpace have completed the Mid-Term Review of Phase 2 for the UK Space Agency's Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission, focusing on technologies for capturing and de-orbiting satellites. Astroscale is also preparing for a critical design review of its ELSA-m servicer, which aims to remove a OneWeb satellite using a magnetic capture mechanism. ClearSpace will focus on removing ESA's Proba-1 satellite from LEO.