[Irvine, California]

Turion Space today announced the successful on-orbit demonstration of Critical Software's Karvel flight software platform aboard Turion's DROID.002 satellite using the Starfire NEXUS on-orbit compute service. The campaign elevates Karvel to Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8) and confirms Starfire NEXUS as a proven platform for rapidly validating advanced software in orbit.

During the mission, Critical Software engineers uploaded Karvel to DROID.002 via Starfire NEXUS and executed a suite of operational scenarios in orbit. The tests exercised mission profiles relevant to resilient communication constellations, space-based situational awareness, and dual-use in-space logistics. Turion's software-in-the-loop (SITL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) environments provided the bridge from lab to flight, enabling Critical Software to move from ground validation to on-orbit execution.

Starfire NEXUS is Turion's on-orbit compute service hosted on its DROID satellites. Built as a cloud-native framework, NEXUS allows customers to integrate, test, and execute their own software payloads in space without needing to procure or operate a spacecraft. Turion maintains full control of satellite flight operations, while customers focus on developing and validating mission software and edge workloads.

“This mission is what we designed Starfire NEXUS to do," said Jeff St. Jean, Director of Flight Systems at Turion Space. "We can take customer software from the lab into orbital conditions quickly and safely. It builds heritage and capabilities before full deployment.”

Karvel is a flight software platform engineered for missions that require reliability and flexibility. It can be delivered with or without cFS compatibility, supports multiple onboard computers and real-time operating systems, and offers CCSDS/PUS interoperability. Critical Software is integrating Karvel into a portfolio of missions, including in-orbit servicing, debris removal, and next-generation Earth-observation and communications systems.

“Working with Turion on DROID.002 has been a productive way to prove Karvel in orbit," said Diogo Amorim, Business Development Manager for Space & Science and Karvel Business Lead at Critical Software. “Reaching TRL-8 on Starfire NEXUS confirms our platform is ready for operational missions.”

Following this campaign, Starfire NEXUS on DROID.002 is available to customers looking to build flight heritage for flight software, autonomy, and other on-orbit applications. Future DROID satellites will expand the capacity and coverage of the NEXUS service, offering a path to validate capabilities in space and shorten time-to-mission for commercial and government partners.

About Critical Software

Critical Software develops mission-critical software and systems for civil, defense, and space applications worldwide, helping customers design, build, and operate high-stakes technologies with safety, security, and reliability at the core.

Website: www.criticalsoftware.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/critical-software