BAE Systems is set to launch its first multi-sensor satellite cluster into low-Earth orbit (LEO) in 2024 to deliver information and intelligence in real time to military customers.
Known as Azalea, the group of satellites will use a range of sensors to collect visual, radar and radio frequency (RF) data, which will be analysed by on board machine learning on edge processors to deliver intelligence to users globally while still in orbit. This intelligence is designed for use for military operations and disaster response.
The cluster is comprised of four satellites which, together, are capable of gathering, analysing and communicating Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), optical and RF signals. It is expected that the cluster will be able to be fully reconfigured whilst in orbit in the same way a smartphone installs a new app.
This news follows the company's acquisition of In-Space Missions last year which brought in expertise to complement BAE System’s existing advanced technologies.
“The Azalea satellite cluster will process data in space to provide swathes of digital intelligence wherever it’s needed," Dave Armstrong, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business said. "We understand how important space-based intelligence is to every domain, whether that’s informing strategic command, alerting an in area warship, or providing real-time intelligence to forces on the ground. The launch of Azalea in 2024 will be a major step forward for the UK’s sovereign space capability.
BAE Systems is working with Finnish firm, ICEYE, to combine its own expertise in sensor technology with ICEYE’s advanced SAR technology for Azalea. SAR provides high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface, day or night and in any weather conditions, according to the company. This persistent monitoring makes it easier to detect instant physical changes, such as the movement of hostile ships or aircraft or the location of people at risk during natural disasters.
Existing space-based sensors require multiple terabytes of data to be transferred to Earth before being processed and distributed. The traditional transfer process can take many hours and is reliant on intermittent RF links and the availability of suitable ground stations.
The Azalea system is designed to save valuable time by combining and analysing data in space. It will reportedly be able to identify activities of interest and directly communicate with users on the ground within moments of detection.
“We’re working together to create a step-change in military intelligence and capabilities," Doug Liddle, Chief Executive and co-founder of In-Space Missions, said. "Our technology will monitor adversaries, but will also provide substantial civil benefits by helping humanitarian response missions.”
“Azalea’s LEO satellites could be of huge benefit to the National Security and Defence community in Australia, providing advanced multi-sensor capabilities from space with data processed on-board that will deliver intelligence to users on the ground faster than ever before," Dirk Noordewier, General Manager of Digital Intelligence Australia, said. "Azaleaalso offers a pathway to true sovereign capability through ownership of an Australian constellation. Australian users will then be able to prioritise and control the end to end process of tasking, collection, processing and dissemination of sensor data, with the potential to contribute to and share data with allies.”