What Happened
New Sensor Closes Gap in Space Traffic Monitoring Capabilities
Anduril Industries has successfully demonstrated a new satellite-based sensor designed to track other spacecraft that may be hiding their maneuvers in Earth’s shadow. The company’s Anduril-216 satellite, launched on a SpaceX rideshare mission in July, uses a long-wave infrared space sensor to see objects in orbit, even in darkness. This technology aims to fill a gap in optical tracking during orbital night, when traditional sensors may lose track of a spacecraft. According to Ars Technica, Anduril’s innovation could have significant implications for space traffic monitoring and the US military’s ability to track adversaries’ satellite activities.