US plans maneuverable defense satellite amid China space gains

The United States is advancing its space defense capabilities through a joint demonstration satellite project by Anduril Industries and Impulse Space, aimed at enhancing maneuverability and rapid repositioning of satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). This initiative responds to growing Chinese advancements in satellite maneuver technology and close-approach operations, which have prompted the U.S. Space Force to prioritize high-thrust, maneuverable satellites for future defense missions. The demonstration will test rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), enabling satellites to autonomously track, identify, and approach other spacecraft with greater precision and safety. Impulse Space is providing its Mira spacecraft integrated with the Helios kick stage, powered by the Deneb engine, which can transfer satellites from low Earth orbit (LEO) to GEO in under 24 hours—significantly faster than traditional months-long orbital transfers. Anduril contributes mission payloads including a long-wave infrared imager and a data processor using its Lattice software, which supports autonomous space