LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (January 21, 2026) – Arkisys™, a provider of on-orbit services on long-duration platforms for post launch applications, announces the return of Astrobee, NASA’s bee-inspired free-flying robotic system, as the technology has officially activated operational status.
Astrobee, known for its unique cube-shaped design, has played a vital role in supporting research and technology demonstrations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Under Arkisys’ stewardship, the free-flying robotic system continues to enable experiments and demonstrations that advance the future of autonomous operations in space.
“We’re excited to bring Astrobee back online to support current users, welcome new ones, and unlock the unique opportunities made possible as a commercial sustainer,” says Yashvi Deliwala, Mission Manager of Arkisys. “Astrobee is a payload that has facilitated extensive collaboration between space agencies, universities, and commercial partners; Arkisys is ready to take it to new heights.”
Astrobee’s return marks an exciting step forward for researchers and commercial users eager to utilize autonomous robotics for tasks ranging from rendezvous and docking demonstrations to computer vision algorithm validation. The transition aligns directly with NASA leadership’s direction to accelerate commercial hand-off’s to expand U.S. industrial capability.
Arkisys plans to expand the access to Astrobee’s services through ongoing system innovation and broadened international participation, proving that free-flyer services are operational, repeatable, and commercially valuable.
To learn more about Astrobee’s return to dock service, please visit https://www.arkisys.com/.
About Arkisys:
Arkisys, Inc., located in Los Alamitos, California, is a rapidly scaling on-orbit services company providing post-launch hosting, integration, and servicing capabilities through its proprietary spacecraft platform infrastructure, “Ports”. A trusted partner with successful USG government contract efforts to-date, the company is expanding access to long-duration platforms that accelerate technology readiness and validation for commercial, government, and academic organizations. Arkisys works with system and subsystem providers to integrate their technology onto Port Modules, enabling innovation in components, payloads and new missions while capturing value across the rapidly growing on-orbit services market, estimated to reach $5.1 billion by 2030.
For more information, visit http://arkisys.com/.
