First-Ever GPS-Only Satellite Docking Mission Successfully Launched

In a groundbreaking achievement for autonomous spacecraft operations, AVS US, in collaboration with Cornell University and the University of North Dakota (UND), launched two small satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 30, 2025. This mission, named UND ROADS (Rendezvous and Operations for Autonomous Docking and Servicing), aims to accomplish the world's first fully autonomous docking between small spacecraft utilizing only satellite navigation signals. The mission marks a significant evolution in satellite docking technology, potentially transforming future space operations by reducing costs and complexities associated with traditional systems.

The ROADS project is an advancement of Cornell's earlier Pathfinder for Autonomous Navigation (PAN) initiative, which faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Mason Peck, the principal investigator of PAN and a professor of astronautical engineering at Cornell University, "AVS and UND took what I thought was a sound idea and executed it with much more rigor. We always wanted to see this fly. Thanks to this partnership, it finally has."

Developed at AVS’s facility in Lansing, New York, the ROADS mission employs two small spacecraft equipped with magnetic docking interfaces and onboard differential GPS (DGPS) navigation. Unlike conventional docking systems that utilize costly sensors and cameras, this initiative relies solely on GPS signals and satellite-to-satellite communication. If successful, this minimalist approach could drastically lower the costs and increase the reliability of future orbital servicing, inspection, and assembly missions.

"Cornell’s PAN provided us with a deceptively simple concept for a very difficult technical challenge," stated Ramon Blanco Maceiras, head of space at AVS US. He emphasized the importance of their rapid development cycle, noting that the satellites were delivered in under two years—a remarkable feat for a mission of this complexity.

The spacecraft has now entered low Earth orbit and has begun vital system verification procedures. The rendezvous and docking are scheduled for later this year, and a successful demonstration could serve dual civilian and defense interests, including NASA's objectives for autonomous satellite servicing and the Department of Defense's needs for resilient space logistics. Maceiras added, "This demonstration supports key US strategic objectives and could redefine space operations. It’s a stepping stone to in-orbit repair, refueling, and even the first city in space."

A technical paper outlining the mission architecture, navigation algorithms, and docking technologies will be presented at the 2025 Small Satellite Conference in August, showcasing the innovative approaches taken in this pioneering effort. The implications of this mission extend beyond just technological advancements; it could redefine how future satellites are serviced and constructed in orbit, paving the way for more ambitious projects in space.

As the space industry continues to evolve, the success of the UND ROADS mission could herald a new era for autonomous spacecraft operations. This mission's achievements may lead to an increase in the accessibility and feasibility of satellite servicing, making it an exciting time for advancements in aerospace engineering and technology.