BAE Systems wins $16M DARPA contract to automate satellite target tracking

BAE Systems has secured a $16 million contract from DARPA for the next phase of the Oversight program. The initiative focuses on automating satellite target tracking in both peacetime and conflict scenarios. Work will take place at BAE’s sites in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with support from subcontractor AIMdyn. The Oversight program aims to deliver 'autonomous constant custody' of up to 1,000 targets. It uses existing satellite hardware to streamline scheduling, data flow, and coverage decisions—tasks currently handled manually. As the number of orbiting sensors grows, DARPA sees this automation as critical for faster, more efficient monitoring.

BAE Systems completed Phase 1 in 2023 after receiving a $7 million contract. The company integrated its software into a simulation environment to demonstrate a custody mission. Now, Phase 2 will refine the algorithms, testing them against larger satellite constellations, complex scenarios, and high-fidelity simulations.

The software coordinates work across a mix of military and commercial spacecraft. These include satellites equipped with radar, optical, and radio-frequency sensors. Ben Cooper, a senior scientist at FAST Labs, noted that the program will make space operations more tactically relevant for warfighters. The contract moves BAE Systems closer to deploying an automated system for satellite target management. The technology is designed to handle growing sensor networks while reducing manual workloads. Testing in Phase 2 will determine its effectiveness in real-world conditions.