The Oversight programme aims to create an autonomous system capable of maintaining constant custody of a large number of terrestrial assets. This will be achieved through the use of new satellite constellations designed for space-based surveillance.
The Phase 2 award follows the successful completion of Phase 1 of the programme. During the earlier phase, BAE Systems’ software was integrated into a modelling and simulation environment to demonstrate a custody mission using representative satellite and sensor models.
In Phase 2, the company will further mature its solution algorithms and demonstrate operations using larger constellations and more complex scenarios. The work will also involve higher-fidelity modelling and simulation environments and physical deployment of the technology to tactical-edge satellites and ground stations.
“Future mission requirements are pushing capabilities to the tactical edge,” said Dr. Ben Cooper, senior principal scientist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research organisation. “In space, this means operating primarily on-board satellites. Through this program, we will help make the space domain more tactically relevant for warfighters.”
Deploying the Oversight software and algorithms on proliferated, networked satellite constellations is intended to enable persistent surveillance at tactical timescales. Space-based coordination and data processing are expected to deliver lower latency and higher revisit rates, supporting near real-time tracking.
According to BAE Systems, the increased scale, availability and timeliness of space-derived information will enhance situational awareness for warfighters. This improvement is also expected to accelerate decision-making processes.
Work on the Oversight programme will be carried out at BAE Systems facilities in Burlington, Massachusetts, and Merrimack, New Hampshire. The effort will also include collaboration with subcontractor AIMdyn, Inc.
Source: BAE Systems (press release).
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