A deep-tech firm near Cornell has launched two small spacecraft that aim to dock autonomously using only GPS signals, according to Cornell Engineering. AVS US, supported by Cornell’s research labs, sent the satellites into orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket on June 23 for the UND ROADS mission.
The mission builds on earlier Cornell research and aims to demonstrate low-cost, camera-free satellite docking using magnetic connectors. Developed in just two years, this effort marks AVS’s first full satellite build from its New York facility. The tech could revolutionize space operations like satellite repair and large-scale in-orbit construction.
The spacecraft will test their docking abilities this fall after a summer of system checks, potentially laying groundwork for future autonomous space missions.
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