Orbital Long-Range, High-Voltage X-Ray Imaging Demonstration Planned
Argo and ThinkOrbital to Partner on Space Domain Awareness Mission
A partnership has been formed to undertake the first-ever long-range, high-voltage X-ray imaging demonstration in orbit. ThinkOrbital and Argo Space Corp. will deploy ThinkOrbital’s “ThinkX” X-ray imaging and material characterization system on Argo’s highly maneuverable spacecraft.
"The ability to literally look inside space objects and determine material composition at long distances using X-rays opens a new frontier for national security, satellite servicing, and anomaly resolution.”
Lee Rosen, ThinkOrbital
The collaboration will combine ThinkOrbital’s novel X-ray technology with Argo’s space vehicles to substantially advance space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities and ThinkOrbital’s technology. ThinkOrbital’s proprietary X-ray system will launch on Argo’s inaugural mission in 2026.
“This partnership demonstrates how combining advanced sensor technologies with high-deltaV spacecraft can unlock unprecedented capabilities for national security and commercial space applications," said Robert Carlisle, CEO of Argo. “Our first mission with ThinkOrbital is a significant step toward true dynamic space operations across orbits."
Argo spacecraft are mobility and logistics vehicles that offer on-orbit maneuverability and long-duration operations by leveraging unique, high-performance propulsion technologies. This architecture enables Argo to provide responsive orbital operations and flexible asset delivery to GEO and beyond, making complex missions like this one possible.
"This is a game-changing capability for space domain awareness," said Colonel (Ret.) Lee Rosen, ThinkOrbital's Co-Founder & CEO. "The ability to literally look inside space objects and determine material composition at long distances using X-rays opens a new frontier for national security, satellite servicing, and anomaly resolution.”
ThinkOrbital brings proven on-orbit capabilities to this partnership, having launched two missions in 2024 and demonstrated autonomous welding in space for the first time in history—with results validated by NASA and the European Space Agency. The company’s X-ray inspection technology represents a critical advancement in space domain awareness, enabling real satellite diagnosis and maintenance as part of their broader mission to defend, service, and build in space.
This mission represents the first space-based test of Argo's high deltaV, refuellable spacecraft platform coupled with ThinkOrbital's long-range active X-ray imaging and material characterization technology, setting a foundation for future orbital inspection and characterization missions.