Defense Innovation Unit and the Space Development Agency

“Through this effort, SDA and DIU are developing a scalable commercial capability to safely rendezvous with, capture and de-orbit unprepared or non-cooperative satellites,”

Defense Innovation Unit and the Space Development Agency · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-16

The agencies described the goal of the 'deorbit-as-a-service' project awarded to three companies.

“The selected companies will begin with preliminary design and risk-reduction activities, after which SDA and DIU will together evaluate their technical maturity, mission approach, schedule and affordability before deciding which solution proceeds to a full on-orbit demonstration.”

Defense Innovation Unit and the Space Development Agency · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-16

The agencies outlined how the selected companies' proposals will be evaluated before an on-orbit demonstration.