GITAI completes space demo of in-house developed 16U satellite

Space robotics startup GITAI has announced the launch and mission completion of its first 16U-sized satellite. The satellite, developed entirely in-house, was launched into low Earth orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 on December 21, 2024, as part of the Bandwagon 2 rideshare mission. GITAI declared “Full Success” for the mission, having achieved all three of its technical verification criteria.

The satellite’s success validates GITAI’s commitment to drastically reducing the cost of space operations by a factor of 100. The company is pioneering advanced technologies, including robotic satellites for on-orbit services, lunar rovers for infrastructure construction and versatile inchworm-like robotic arms. These technologies, designed and produced in-house, represent GITAI’s focus on innovation and cost efficiency.

Since its founding, GITAI has developed a robust system for creating space-grade robotics, including a robotic arm that demonstrated mission success inside the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021 and outside the ISS in 2024. In January 2024, GITAI expanded into satellite development, creating the SC1 satellite to provide a platform for comprehensive on-orbit services.

Building on this success, GITAI plans to demonstrate rendezvous and docking capabilities in 2026 as part of its Space Demonstration Experiment (S3). This mission will feature a 500kg-class satellite equipped with a robotic arm and a target satellite, further showcasing the company’s on-orbit service capabilities.

The SC1 mission has also validated GITAI’s ability to design and produce space-qualified components (TRL-9) in-house, such as propulsion systems, reaction wheels and star trackers. By developing high-cost, long-lead-time components internally by 2025, GITAI aims to cut costs, shorten timelines and improve profit margins.

The company remains focused on securing contracts from US government agencies while advancing its mission to revolutionise space operations through cost-effective on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure solutions.