Navy researchers are testing a fully autonomous satellite named Autosat, which is designed to detect and characterize objects in space. This satellite can task itself, calibrate its signals, and send and receive information autonomously without requiring a human operator. Steven Meier, the director of space technology at the Naval Research Laboratory, announced that his team has successfully demonstrated this capability in lab settings.
During a panel at the Potomac Officers Club’s Research and Development Summit in McLean, Virginia, on a recent Thursday, Meier emphasized the goal to secure funding to build and launch the Autosat system. The satellite is equipped with an imaging payload trained with a comprehensive database that includes images of airports, runways, roads, and buildings. This feature allows Autosat to learn and improve its ability to recognize patterns and objects over time.
There is a growing demand for satellites capable of detecting and tracking objects in space to provide intelligence to military agencies, such as the Space Force and U.S. Space Command. Meier noted that the true advantage of Autosat lies in its autonomy, enabling it to operate without GPS, communications, or ground control. The Navy envisions a network of such autonomous satellite systems.
The Space Force is actively researching artificial intelligence and autonomy to lessen the burden on operators and enhance decision-making concerning spatial threats. At a National Defense Industrial Association event in August, Frank Calvelli, the former top acquisition official of the Space Force, projected that satellites will become “significantly more autonomous” in the next 10 to 15 years. This shift would reduce reliance on antennas and ground stations, which are vulnerable to cyber attacks during conflicts.
In November, the Space Force funded a contract to Advanced Space in Colorado for a feasibility study on utilizing AI and machine learning algorithms for satellite guidance and maneuvering around space threats. The Space Development Agency is also prioritizing automation in its efforts to establish a constellation of small satellites.
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office is collaborating with various commercial firms to integrate AI into a modern ground system known as Rapid Resilient Command and Control. Kelly Hammett, the director of this office, explained that one key feature of the system is automated mission planning, allowing operators to efficiently schedule contacts and maneuvers. He elaborated on this during the Space Force Association’s Spacepower Conference held in Orlando, Florida, highlighting the ease of selecting and uploading mission profiles with just a button press.
Courtney Albon, the author of this report, serves as C4ISRNET’s space and emerging technology reporter. Albon has covered the U.S. military since 2012, focusing on the Air Force and Space Force, and has reported on significant acquisition, budget, and policy challenges within the Defense Department.
