BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research and development arm has been awarded a $16 million Phase 2 contract under DARPA’s Oversight programme, which aims to build an autonomous system capable of maintaining continuous custody of large numbers of ground targets via proliferated satellite constellations.
The award follows completion of Phase 1, where BAE integrated its software into a modelling and simulation environment to demonstrate persistent tracking using representative satellite and sensor models. Phase 2 shifts to maturing the algorithms, scaling to larger constellations and more complex scenarios, and preparing for deployment on operational hardware. Deployment will span both tactical-edge satellites and ground stations, with the company highlighting a broader trend toward moving processing and decision-support closer to the point of collection.
Dr Ben Cooper, senior principal scientist at FAST Labs, said the shift reflects evolving mission demands. “Future mission requirements are pushing capabilities to the tactical edge. In space, this means operating primarily on-board satellites. Through this program, we will help make the space domain more tactically relevant for warfighters.”
DARPA’s concept aims to deliver lower latency and higher revisit rates by performing coordination and data processing in orbit, enabling near real-time tracking rather than relying solely on ground-based fusion. Supporters argue this could enhance situational awareness and shorten decision timelines in contested environments. Work will be carried out at BAE sites in Burlington, Massachusetts, and Merrimack, New Hampshire, with AIMdyn Inc. supporting as a subcontractor.