Science & Tech · AI · 19 hrs ago
Shield Space plans AI-controlled satellites to protect spacecraft in orbit
British startup Shield Space plans AI-coordinated satellites to protect spacecraft in orbit.
The small satellites, called CubeSats, could work together and use lasers, microwaves or physical interception to defend other equipment.
The proposal comes amid concerns about close approaches in space, including Russian satellites approaching ICEYE-X36, a commercial radar satellite that provides information to Ukraine.
Shield Space’s first demonstration, called Project Broadsword, is planned for 2027 and would test two CubeSats approaching each other from 100 kilometres to 100 metres.
The company says it aims to deploy up to 100 CubeSats for under £100 million.
The project faces challenges with fitting equipment into small satellites, limited data for training autonomous systems and rules governing the use of force.
The 2027 test will assess four levels of autonomy, from human control to nearly autonomous operations, but the technology will need further development and testing.
British startup Shield Space plans to develop small AI-controlled satellites that could work together to protect spacecraft in orbit.
The proposed satellites could use lasers, microwaves and physical interception systems, and perform some operations without constant commands from Earth.
The company plans its first demonstration for 2027, using two CubeSats to test a controlled approach.
The project comes amid concerns about close approaches between satellites and possible interference or damage.
Shield Space says it aims to deploy up to 100 CubeSats for less than £100 million.
- Who
- British startup Shield Space.
- What
- It plans to develop AI-controlled satellites that work together to protect spacecraft in orbit.
- When
- The first demonstration is planned for 2027.
- Where
- In orbit. The planned mission is part of SpaceX’s Transporter-21 shared flight.
- Why
- To address risks to spacecraft, including interference or damage from nearby satellites.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Four Russian military satellites approached the ICEYE-X36, a commercial radar satellite described as a source of information for Ukraine during the war.
One Russian satellite reportedly passed about 500 metres from ICEYE-X36.
Shield Space plans to test two CubeSats on the Transporter-21 shared flight.
- Company
- Shield Space
- Planned deployment
- Up to 100 CubeSats for less than £100 million
- First demonstration
- 2027
- Mission name
- Project Broadsword
- Test satellites
- One 8U CubeSat and one 3U CubeSat
- Planned approach
- From 100 kilometres to 100 metres