A significant leap in space technology was achieved earlier this year with the successful demonstration of edge autonomy in a small spacecraft. This capability allows a satellite to analyze data and make decisions independently, without relying on ground control instructions. The demonstration was a collaborative effort between Arlington, Virginia-based startups NOVI and Sedaro, for an undisclosed U.S. government client.
NOVI, specializing in edge computing systems using AI and machine learning for satellite intelligence, built the spacecraft. Launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission on January 14th, the majority of the demonstration took place in February. The satellite utilized Sedaro’s mission and system simulation software, functioning as a digital twin, to perform autonomous operations. This software enabled the satellite to be “self-aware,” executing tasks based on its environment and status.
Sedaro developed this technology with funding from a SpaceWERX Small Business Innovation Research grant. SpaceWERX, part of the Department of the Air Force's AFWERX, aims to integrate commercial edge autonomy technology into military satellite applications. This technology allows satellites to independently manage tasks such as orbit adjustments, power consumption, and communication optimization based on sensor data. In military scenarios, this means satellites could detect and respond to threats autonomously.
Autonomous satellites, powered by AI and edge computing, are considered crucial for automating space operations. Sebastian Welsh, Sedaro’s co-founder and CTO, highlighted the importance of satellite edge autonomy: “The proliferation of constellations in low Earth orbit has driven increasingly automated approaches to satellite mission ops from the ground. A highly congested, contested, and dynamic space operating environment demands that we take the next step and bring this automation to the edge.”
Sedaro CEO Robbie Robertson stated that the demonstration “validates an approach to autonomy that can deliver value in the very near future onboard government and commercial space assets.” The software used, the “Sedaro Autonomy Framework for the Edge,” will be open-sourced to accelerate adoption and challenge the slow pace of innovation in the space and defense sectors.
Amit Mehra, NOVI co-founder, explained their aim to build an AI processing infrastructure in space using “low-cost, multi-sensor satellites and advanced edge processors.” This infrastructure would support commercial and defense applications, providing third-party developers with access to space-based sensors and processing capabilities.
Mehra emphasized that the Sedaro project successfully demonstrated the ground testing of a third-party algorithm, followed by its seamless upload and in-space operation to gather on-orbit data.