Astranis Unveils Perceptor MicroGEO Satellite for 22,236-Mile GEO Surveillance

3 articles · Updated · SpaceNews · Aug 13

Astranis said its new Perceptor spacecraft can inspect other satellites in geostationary orbit, using onboard sensors and electric propulsion to maneuver across the GEO belt.
The San Francisco company is pushing beyond broadband communications into space domain awareness, aiming to close surveillance blind spots as rival nations field spacecraft that can operate near U.S. military satellites.
Multiple Perceptor satellites could work together to watch a target from different positions, a setup Astranis says would make evasion harder and support both government and commercial missions.
Astranis is entering a crowded defense market after the Space Force in April picked 14 companies, including Astranis, to compete for RG-XX-related Andromeda task orders in GEO surveillance.
The launch follows Astranis' $450 million funding round in May, capital it said would expand manufacturing and prepare the company for larger U.S. government procurements.