LMO (Luxembourg & UK) and In-Space Missions Ltd. (UK) have partnered to explore the use of smallsat platforms for space-based, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) as part of LMO’s AUREA (Autonomous Recognition of Foreign Assets) program — In-Space Missions, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, will study the mission scope of a space-based SDA demonstrator smallsat with a software stack on the ground to demo end-user compatibility.
In-Space Missions will work with LMO and SDA end-users to define the mission requirements, characterize the constraints of the satellite platform and avionics, and identify any development gaps. The study will also identify and define Space Resident Objects (SROs) and orbits of interest, assess real time, on-edge processing needs as well as determine the number of satellites required to deliver LMO’s full, AUREA SDA service.
The AUREA program will focus on multi-sensor and multi-modal technologies that include optical, LiDAR and radar instruments. As part of the project, a simulator of the on-board computer will be delivered to LMO for full end-to-end testing of the software, paving the way for the launch of an AUREA SDA demo mission.
AUREA is a dual-use development program for SDA with funding from Luxembourg’s Directorate of Defence to support the development of capabilities for Luxembourg and the nation’s European and NATO Allies, such as the UK.
“Partnering with In-Space Missions will allow us to accelerate the validation process of our Protect and Defend architecture, and demonstrate our core SDA capability to end users within NATO and the Five Eyes.” — Michel Poucet, CEO, LMO
“At In-Space Missions, we recognize the importance of monitoring the Earth’s orbital environment and synthesizing an accurate picture of an increasingly contested space domain. To ensure a secure future in space, the safety of our satellite assets, and the security of those people who depend on them for critical services, we will continue to develop capabilities around space domain awareness. As an important step forward in growing these capabilities, In-Space is delighted to be working on this project with LMO – a company recognized as a domain leader in space domain awareness.” — Doug Liddle, CEO, In-Space Missions
“Space Domain Awareness is essential for informed decision-making and thus a priority for Luxembourg Directorate of Defence’s space strategy. We need innovative dual-use solutions with military and societal benefits. That was the very ambition of our first R&D call for proposals. As the AUREA program met all our expectations, it is one of the projects we will fund in the framework of the call.” — Colonel Guy Hoffman, National Armaments Director, Luxembourg