TL;DR:
- BAE Systems has won a $7 million contract from DARPA to develop AI tools for military satellite data tracking.
- The project, called Oversight, aims to automate the tracking of targets of interest collected by satellites.
- BAE Systems will collaborate with AI specialists OmniTeq and AIMdyn on this cutting-edge endeavor.
- The program seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional space ISR collection, optimizing the tactical utility of satellite sensor data.
- The software developed under Oversight will enable autonomous custody of a large number of targets, enhancing efficiency and reducing latency.
- Phase 1 involves defining tracking requirements and resource needs, while Phase 2 focuses on transitioning the software to in-orbit spacecraft.
- BAE Systems’ track custody software has versatile applicability to different types of sensors, including electro-optical and radio-frequency.
- The potential deployment of the software on Space Development Agency sensor satellites presents exciting possibilities for tracking hypersonic missiles.
Main AI News:
In a recent development, BAE Systems has successfully won a lucrative $7 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The contract aims to propel the development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to automate the intricate task of tracking data gathered by military satellites. BAE Systems, in collaboration with renowned AI specialists OmniTeq and AIMdyn, will play a pivotal role in the DARPA project, aptly named Oversight.
The initial phase of the program has also enlisted the expertise of Apogee Research and Systems & Technology Research, as announced by DARPA. The agency highlighted the limitations of traditional space intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collection, which often suffers from operational silos and a labor-intensive approach. Addressing these challenges, Lael Rudd, the program manager for Oversight at DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, emphasized the pressing need for AI-powered solutions to streamline and expedite the tracking of targets of interest, especially as the Space Force and the Space Development Agency gear up to deploy extensive constellations of sensor satellites.
The central focus of DARPA’s Oversight program lies in the development of AI-enabled software that can seamlessly manage and track a vast number of targets observed by satellites. During the 15-month Phase 1, BAE Systems, along with its counterparts, will meticulously define tracking requirements, ascertain resource needs, and establish smooth interfaces between the evolving technologies. As the program advances to Phase 2, the cutting-edge software will make a significant transition onto in-orbit spacecraft, paving the way for enhanced satellite capabilities.
John Grimes, the director of small satellites at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs, shed light on the broad applicability of their track custody software, which can effectively cater to various types of sensors such as electro-optical and radio-frequency. Furthermore, if BAE Systems secures selection for Phase 2 and subsequent stages, the software could potentially be deployed on Space Development Agency sensor satellites, specifically dedicated to tracking hypersonic missiles. Grimes shared an intriguing hypothetical scenario to exemplify the seamless integration of autonomous target custody. Suppose a satellite unexpectedly detects a signal emanating from a vessel within a controlled ocean region. Instantaneously, the onboard system would relay this information to other satellites in the network, prioritizing custody of the vessel. Subsequently, an electro-optical satellite passing overhead swiftly captures an image, identifying the vessel as a fishing vessel. The location and identification data are then promptly transmitted to a nearby Coast Guard ship, initiating a further investigation.
Conlcusion:
BAE Systems’ successful contract win and collaboration with OmniTeq, AIMdyn, and DARPA highlight the growing importance of AI-enabled solutions in the satellite tracking market. The development of advanced software to autonomously track targets of interest will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of military satellite operations. This advancement holds promising implications for the market, as it enhances national security efforts and strengthens situational awareness capabilities. The integration of AI and satellite tracking technologies is poised to reshape the industry landscape and open doors to new opportunities for companies operating in this space.
