Space Machines Company unveils Optimus Viper rapid response spacecraft
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
Space Machines Company (SMC) has introduced Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft designed to protect critical space assets and deliver high-fidelity intelligence. This cutting-edge platform operates within 10 kilometers of target satellites, providing unprecedented insights and actionable intelligence for space infrastructure security.
The launch of Optimus Viper marks a significant evolution in space operations, combining a distributed production model with hyperscale capabilities to deliver rapid on-orbit responses for both commercial and national security applications. CEO and Co-Founder of SMC, Rajat Kulshrestha, emphasized the need for adaptable and resilient systems in the current contested space environment. “Optimus Viper will revolutionise how we operate in space by delivering distributed and dynamic capabilities at a fraction of traditional costs. In today’s contested space domain, where billions in critical infrastructure face immediate threats, rapid intelligence and protection capabilities are vital to safeguarding our way of life,” he said.
Derived from the successful launch of the Optimus satellite earlier this year, Optimus Viper represents an advanced security architecture. The 200-kilogram class spacecraft can deploy within 24 hours of launch, powered by Solstice OS, an AI-driven orbital operating system. Its multi-mission capabilities include space domain awareness and precise orbital monitoring, enabling dynamic reconfiguration to meet evolving challenges.
SMC is also redefining the economics of space security, offering proximity inspection services in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at a groundbreaking commercial price of $2-3M USD per inspection – significantly less than current costs. This approach democratizes access to space security, making it affordable for both commercial and government operators, while bolstering the commercial space economy.
The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Australia to produce the Optimus Viper Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) efficiently and cost-effectively, reducing costs by up to 90% compared to existing alternatives. This model supports resilience through distributed systems and enhances the affordability of space security solutions.
Optimus Viper is engineered to support both allied and commercial missions, prioritizing interoperability and dual-use functionality. This design ethos reflects terrestrial defense strategies and aims to strengthen allied collaboration in space. Lieutenant General Larry James, former Deputy Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and now an SMC advisor, highlighted the importance of allied operations: “Allied-by-design isn’t just a feature – it’s the foundation for effective space operations. By developing capabilities that are inherently interoperable, we multiply our collective effectiveness while sharing costs.”
SMC’s rapid deployment plans include multiple missions by 2026, building operational capabilities across diverse orbital environments. These efforts address the growing demand for space security solutions amid rising threats to both national and commercial assets.
Rajat Kulshrestha added, “We’re not just building spacecraft – we’re creating a new paradigm for space security and sustainability. Each Optimus Viper deployment increases our collective space resilience while decreasing operational costs. This is how we safeguard humanity’s progress in space – through distributed, rapid, and resilient capabilities that scale with the growing threats to our space infrastructure.”
Related Links
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