Argo Space Corp. and ThinkOrbital announced a strategic partnership to launch in 2026 year of the first space mission, which will use long-range, high-voltage X-ray imaging to increase awareness in outer space (Space Domain Awareness, SDA). The mission will deploy ThinkOrbital's proprietary ThinkX system on the maneuverable platform of the Argo spacecraft, combining unique technologies for revolutionary capabilities in the detection and characterization of materials from distant space objects.
Technological features
- ThinkX by ThinkOrbital: The X-ray imaging system allows you to "peek" inside space objects, determining their material composition at considerable distances. This technology, confirmed by two successful missions in 2024 year, including the first autonomous welding in orbit, approved by NASA and ESA, opens up new prospects for national security, maintenance of satellites and resolution of anomalies.
- Argo spacecraft: Argonaut platform, which uses a water engine and the possibility of refueling in orbit, provides high maneuverability and long-term operation in geostationary orbit (GEO, ~36 000 km) and beyond. A high delta-V allows you to move assets quickly, supporting dynamic operations.
The mission will be the first orbital test of active X-ray imaging for the inspection of space objects and the debut of the Argo high-maneuverability system, which supports complex operations, such as logistics, refueling and garbage disposal.
Value for SDA
ThinkX technology allows analyzing the composition of satellite materials, debris or other objects, which is critical for:
- of national security: Identification of potential threats, such as anti-satellite systems.
- Maintenance of satellites: Diagnosis of damage or anomalies to extend the service life.
- Space debris management: Identification of materials for disposal planning.
The combination of Argo's maneuverability and ThinkOrbital's X-ray capabilities creates a new paradigm for SDA, surpassing traditional optical or radar methods, which are limited by atmospheric interference or resolution.
Context and partnership
Argo Space Corp., Founded in 2022 year in El Segundo, California, by Robert Carlyle (ex-SpX), specializes in reusable vehicles, that use lunar water as fuel. The company received funding from Stellar Ventures and a NASA SBIR Phase I contract in 2023 year for the development of water draft. In June 2025 Argo entered into an agreement with Anduril Industries to integrate SDA sensors and computing on the Argonaut platform, which will also be used in the mission 2026 year.
ThinkOrbital, led by retired Colonel Lee Rosen, has experience in advanced technologies, including autonomous welding in orbit. Its partnership with Argo supports the SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge program, where Argo was awarded an SBIR Phase II contract for 1,7 million dollars for the development of dynamic space operations to 2026 year.
Prospects and challenges
The mission is part of a broader trend of commercialization of the SDA, where the US Space Force (USSF) moving from state systems, such as GSSAP, to commercial platforms, як RG-XX. Success depends on:
- Precise integration of ThinkX on the Argo platform.
- Reliability of water traction in real conditions.
- Coordination with USSF and other clients, such as Anduril, to ensure national security needs.
This mission can become the basis for future service operations, such as refueling, repair or garbage removal, and also support commercial markets, where the demand for SDA is increasing due to the increase in the number of satellites (over 10 000 in orbit as of 2025 year).
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com