Astranis is taking space-domain awareness into higher orbits with Perceptor, a new spacecraft designed to give the US and its allies greater visibility and maneuverability in the increasingly contested space environment.
The spacecraft is described as a space-domain awareness and maneuverability platform that operates in geostationary orbit (GEO) and other high orbits.
Perceptor carries an onboard sensor suite that can monitor objects and activity in orbit. It can also conduct multi-angle flybys to inspect spacecraft, investigate anomalies, and provide additional eyes in an area where persistent awareness has historically been limited.
An electric propulsion system allows the platform to traverse the full GEO arc, giving it the ability to reposition itself dozens of times throughout its mission.
Astranis also envisions multiple Perceptors working together as a proliferated constellation, allowing the spacecraft to coordinate and make it harder for potential adversaries to evade observation.
The spacecraft uses flight-proven components and is designed for production at scale on the same lines used to build Astranis’ existing satellites.
Eliminating Blind Spots in Space
Perceptor is designed for both commercial and national-security missions in GEO and other high orbits.
It aims to fill operational gaps in space awareness that could be exploited by adversaries, particularly around strategic infrastructure supporting US and allied interests.
“Astranis provides mission-critical infrastructure for strategic higher orbits. What we found is that our means to detect and respond to emerging threats to this infrastructure are sorely lacking,” Astranis CEO and Co-Founder John Gedmark said.
“With Perceptor, we’re meeting the increasing demand for security in GEO with our proven on-orbit platform and ability to produce at scale.”
