Orion, Partners Continue Work on Tetris-5 Satellites After Completing Critical Design Review

A small-satellite maker has achieved a milestone in helping the U.S. Space Force demonstrate multi-agent autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations and docking for on-orbit refueling.

The Space Force revealed that Orion Space Solutions has completed a critical design review of the Tetra-5 constellation of three satellites. After the CDR, the next step is to demonstrate docking capabilities for on-orbit refueling and next-generation autonomous collaboration strategies for on-orbit servicing, Orion Space Solutions said.

William Armijo, vice president of space systems, said that with the completion of the CDR, the company and its extended team are looking forward to supporting the government and its plans for the Tetra-5 vehicles and sensors.

The Tetra Program Office has been working with the Air Force Research Lab to accelerate the development of innovative solutions to help with Tetra-5’s mission.

Orion Space Systems was recently acquired by Arcfield in November 2023. The deal provides Orion access to Arcfield’s systems engineering, integration and mission launch assurance expertise to provide cutting-edge space-based technologies for customers.