Space Machines Company (SMC) has announced a development in space security technology with the launch of Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft designed to protect and monitor critical space assets.
The announcement highlights a shift in how space security is approached, with the spacecraft offering advanced capabilities at an unprecedented scale and cost efficiency.
Optimus Viper, capable of operating within 10 kilometres of target satellites, delivers detailed intelligence and protection previously deemed unattainable, SMC said in a media release.
The platform represents the world’s first hyperscale production approach to on-orbit rapid response, addressing both national security and commercial needs.
In unveiling the platform, Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and co-founder of SMC, emphasised the significance of adaptability in space operations amid rapidly evolving threats.
“Optimus Viper will revolutionise how we operate in space by delivering distributed and dynamic capabilities at a fraction of traditional costs,” Kulshrestha said.
He added, “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.”
Optimus Viper builds on the success of SMC’s inaugural satellite, Optimus, launched earlier this year via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The 200-kilogram-class spacecraft can deploy within 24 hours, integrating advanced autonomous technologies and the AI-driven Solstice OS to enhance its operational capabilities.
Its multi-mission flexibility allows for rapid adaptation, enabling tasks ranging from space domain awareness to orbital monitoring.
In a move poised to reshape the economics of space security, SMC introduced commercial pricing for proximity inspections at $2–3 million USD per inspection in Low Earth Orbit— lower than current costs.
This pricing strategy aims to make advanced space security accessible to a broader range of operators while supporting the commercial space economy.
To meet growing demand, SMC said it plans to scale up its Australian manufacturing capabilities, producing the Optimus Viper Rapid Response Vehicles at a fraction of traditional costs.
Optimus Viper is designed to serve dual-use purposes, aligning with allied space operations and commercial needs.
Lieutenant General Larry James, a former Deputy Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and newly appointed advisor to SMC, highlighted the importance of allied collaboration in today’s space environment.
“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,” James stated.
“This approach transforms how we operate in space, creating the agility and resilience needed to address emerging challenges.”
With plans for multiple missions by 2026, SMC said it is set to demonstrate Optimus Viper’s operational effectiveness across various orbital regimes.
