Data from the Azalea cluster will be analysed and processed in space. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems plans to launch its first multi-sensor ISR satellite cluster into low Earth orbit in 2024.
The Azalea cluster will use a ‘range of sensors to collect visual, radar and radio frequency (RF) data’, the company announced on 7 September.
Data will be analysed by onboard machine learning on edge processors ‘to deliver the resulting intelligence securely, anywhere in the world while still in orbit’, BAE Systems added.
In contrast, it is common practice today to transfer terabytes of data for processing and analysis on the ground — so performing these functions in space should save time.
Dave Armstrong, group MD of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, said: ‘The launch of Azalea in 2024 will be a major step forward for the UK’s sovereign space capability.’
BAE Systems added the capability to design, build, launch and operate satellites after it acquired UK company In-Space Missions in 2021.
The company is also working with ICEYE to access the latter’s advanced synthetic aperture radar technology for inclusion in the Azalea cluster.
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
The Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) and Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) counter-UAS (CUAS) systems are mounted and dismounted RF jammers.
Adarga’s Vantage information analysis tool is in service with the UK MoD and individual UK forces. It builds on the company’s Knowledge Platform which processes, organises and analyses open source material, as well as information held by the user’s military, security and intelligence services.
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