The space economy is set to reach $1tn by 2040. Credit: BAE Systems/Businesswire.

BAE Systems has secured a contract from a US government agency to develop an autonomous space-based surveillance technology

The $7m contract was awarded to FAST Labs by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

FAST Labs is BAE Systems’ advanced technology research and development group.

The DARPA, the US Space Force, and the Space Development Agency are working together to develop a constellation of satellites to enhance the tactical effectiveness of US space systems.

The initiative is part of the DARPA Oversight programme.  

It aims to address the challenges associated with conventional methods of space intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collection such as isolated operations, labour-intensive processes, and limited ability to adapt quickly to leverage new space systems.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

BAE Systems explained that the use of proliferated low earth orbit satellite constellations expands the capabilities for on-orbit ISR.

The programme seeks to develop an autonomous system that manages a large number of assets distributed across diverse constellations, ensuring continuous “custody” of these assets.

As per the programme’s objectives, this technology will be deployed to both tactical-edge satellites and ground stations.

BAE Systems’ FAST Labs director of small satellites John Grimes said: “Rapidly advancing near-peer adversary capabilities are driving a need for additional long-range tracking at increased scale and timeliness.

“To meet this requirement, our team includes technical expertise in autonomy, space processing, ISR systems, tactical-edge software development, system integration and architectures, and mission focus.”

Subcontractors OmniTeq and AIMdyn will also work on the programme.

Last month, the defence technology company allied with software giant Microsoft to develop cloud systems.