We all know that space debris monitoring is a critical requirement underpinning the expected multi-decade exponential growth of the number of satellites orbiting our planet.
The first movers have already deployed the initial phases of their Low Earth Obit constellations. The next 5 years will see a dramatic acceleration in the number and size of constellations that will reach critical mass.
Single satellite operators will move from constellations measured in 100's to 1,000's of units in orbit. Careful monitoring is a prerequisite for safety, adherence to laws, insurance and the management of "in-space" operations.
Great to see US DoD recognising this value through a sizeable short term commercial contract with Seraphim portfolio company LeoLabs.
As part of the national response to COVID-19, the Department of Defense entered into a $15 million agreement with LeoLabs, Inc. to ensure the continued viability of space surveillance capability through the operation and maintenance of a world-wide highly capable phased-array radar network. The ability to surveil and analyze spacecraft in low earth orbit is essential to national defense