BAE Systems announces space-based data analysis and processing with new satellite cluster
Data from the Azalea cluster will be analysed and processed in space. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems expects the Azalea cluster to deliver military ISR data more rapidly than current methods.
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.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials]()
Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials
The Thales DigitalCrew package, first unveiled at last year’s Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles conference, is designed to merge imaging and apply a layer of decision-making and observation algorithms to support crew and other personnel.
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
