European space companies Infinite Orbits and Open Cosmos have partnered on a new satellite mission designed to demonstrate rendezvous, proximity and inspection operations in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
The mission, dubbed “Tom & Jerry,” will involve two satellites that will perform a series of maneuvering and inspection activities after launch, which is currently targeted for mid-2027.
Under the agreement, Open Cosmos will design, manufacture and deliver both spacecraft while integrating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies and subsystems developed by Infinite Orbits.
Two-Satellite Demonstration Mission
The mission will feature a larger satellite, known as “Tom,” and a smaller spacecraft called “Jerry.”
According to the companies, Tom will approach Jerry in orbit, conduct inspection operations and capture close-range imagery of the target satellite.
The demonstration is intended to validate technologies required for future in-orbit servicing, inspection and satellite operations.
The companies said the project is being developed on an accelerated schedule, with launch planned within the next year.
Expanding Satellite Servicing Into LEO
For Infinite Orbits, the mission represents an expansion of its satellite servicing activities from geostationary orbit (GEO) into the low-Earth orbit environment.
The company has previously focused on in-orbit servicing and inspection missions for geostationary satellites and is currently working on projects involving customers including SES, Hispasat, the French Space Command and CNES.
The LEO demonstration is expected to provide additional operational experience and technology validation for future servicing missions.
Supporting European Space Capabilities
Both companies said the project will contribute to the development of European capabilities in autonomous space operations and satellite servicing.
As satellite constellations and orbital infrastructure continue to grow, demand is increasing for technologies capable of inspecting, monitoring and maintaining spacecraft already in orbit.
“By extending our servicing and RPO expertise from GEO into LEO demonstration missions, we are helping lay the foundations for future innovative but competitive in orbit services,” said Adel Haddoud, chief executive officer of Infinite Orbits.
“Europe now has a unique opportunity to strengthen both commercial and sovereign operational capabilities in orbit and develop the technologies required to maintain, protect, and optimise strategic space infrastructure for the long term.”
The mission reflects broader industry efforts to develop in-orbit servicing technologies that could support satellite inspection, maintenance, life extension and debris mitigation activities in the coming years.
