Critical Software’s Karvel Reaches TRL-8 After Successful On-Orbit Validation with Turion Space

Designed for versatility across LEO, deep space, and complex multi-payload missions, Karvel gives teams a robust, modular foundation that reduces risk, shortens development timelines, and simplifies integration with modern spacecraft architectures. 

Critical Software has taken a major leap forward in space-software readiness by successfully demonstrating Karvel in orbit aboard Turion Space’s DROID.002 satellite. The on-orbit campaign enabled through Turion’s Starfire NEXUS compute service, elevates Karvel to Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8), marking it as fully proven in a space environment and ready for operational missions. 

This milestone showcases a new, faster path for mission teams seeking to validate advanced flight software directly in orbit, without the delays and complexity of securing their own spacecraft. 

Proving Karvel’s Capabilities in Real On-Orbit Operations 

Its versatility has already made it a foundation for missions across the space ecosystem, from in-orbit servicing and debris remediation to Earth observation and communications. Karvel is currently being integrated into several flagship missions, including ClearSpace-1, CLEAR, ENDURANCE, SeRANIS, and FORUM. 

"Reaching TRL-8 on Turion's DROID.002 proves that Karvel is ready for operational deployment," said Diogo Amorim, Business Development Manager for Space & Science at Critical Software. "Our platform is a catalyst for the next generation of critical space missions, empowering partners to accelerate their capabilities without compromising on performance, resilience, or exportability." 

NEXUS: Proven Platform for Rapid On-Orbit Validation 

For Turion Space, the mission also confirms the readiness of Starfire NEXUS as a high-velocity validation service for flight software and other edge-compute workloads. Developed from concept to operational system in just five months, NEXUS allows customers to upload, test, and run software on-orbit, without needing to operate a satellite themselves. 

NEXUS keeps spacecraft operations entirely under Turion’s control, while giving customers the freedom to test capabilities safely in real orbital conditions. 

"This mission with Critical Software confirms that NEXUS can take customer software from lab to orbit quickly and safely," said Jeff St. Jean, Director of Flight Systems at Turion Space. "We're enabling teams to prove out capabilities in real orbital conditions while maintaining full spacecraft safety and control. It's a powerful model for proving out flight systems in space."  

Starfire NEXUS is available today on DROID.002, offering customers a rapid, low-friction route to advanced software in orbit and accelerate time-to-mission. 

Our Work in The Space Sector 

At Critical Software, we shape the future of space operations through mission‑critical systems that power some of the most ambitious programmes in orbit. From flight software and autonomy to ground systems and safety‑critical engineering, our teams support the full space lifecycle: design, development, validation, and operations.  

Our heritage includes contributions to pioneering efforts in space innovation, helping to push what’s possible and ensure that space infrastructure is resilient, secure, and ready for the challenges ahead. 

Critical’s mission remains the same: to build better and build safer. Our software and systems not only advance capabilities in orbit but also give our partners the confidence that their work will succeed — safely, reliably, and sustainably.