World’s first GPS-only satellite docking mission launched into orbit

The UND ROADS mission, a collaboration between AVS US, Cornell University, and the University of North Dakota, has successfully launched two small satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to attempt the world’s first fully autonomous docking between small spacecraft using only GPS signals. Building on Cornell’s earlier PAN project, which introduced affordable GPS-based satellite rendezvous concepts, the mission employs two CubeSats equipped with magnetic docking interfaces and differential GPS navigation. Unlike traditional docking systems that rely on expensive sensors and cameras, ROADS uses satellite navigation and inter-satellite communication exclusively, aiming to reduce the cost and complexity of future orbital servicing, inspection, and assembly. AVS US, marking its first full spacecraft development effort in the US as prime contractor, developed the satellites in under two years by combining Cornell’s foundational concept with its own spaceflight and servicing expertise. The spacecraft are now in low Earth orbit undergoing system verification, with rendezvous and docking planned later in 2025. A successful demonstration could have broad