Space Machines Company Secures Australian Defence Contract to Build Autonomous Space Threat Detection Capability

Space Machines Company has been awarded a $2.9 million Defence contract to develop an advanced, AI-enabled system designed to autonomously detect, assess, and respond to threats in Earth orbit, marking a significant step forward in Australia’s sovereign space defence capabilities.

Awarded by Defence’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) under the Emerging and Disruptive Technologies, Decision Advantage program, the project will see Space Machines Company develop the Space Threat Analysis and Response System (STARS), a next-generation capability aimed at protecting Australian and allied space assets in an increasingly contested Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment.

From Awareness to Action in a Contested Orbit

As orbital congestion and counterspace risks intensify, traditional space domain awareness tools are struggling to keep pace. STARS is designed to close that gap. By autonomously ingesting data from ground-based sensors and commercial space surveillance providers, the system will predict close approaches, rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) windows, and potential interference involving Australian and allied spacecraft.

Crucially, STARS is being architected for seamless integration into space command-and-control environments such as Space Machines Company’s Solstice OS, enabling operators to move from detection to decision at machine speed, where orbital objects travel at nearly 28,000 km/h and response windows are measured in minutes.

A Sovereign Capability with Allied Impact

“The dynamic nature of the space environment demands automated systems capable of processing complex data and generating actionable intelligence at unprecedented speeds,” said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company. “STARS directly addresses a critical gap in space domain awareness through autonomous analysis and response planning. Developing this capability in Australia strengthens allied resilience while advancing national defence science and technology priorities.”

The 24-month program will mature STARS from concept to working prototype. Once complete, the capability is expected to be integrated into Solstice OS to support coordinated operations of Space Machines Company’s Optimus Viper Rapid Response Vehicles, enabling responsive and scalable on-orbit protection missions.

AI-Driven Threat Assessment at Operational Speed

Leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, STARS will evaluate threat characteristics in near real time, generate response options, and prioritize the protection of sovereign and allied satellites. Its autonomous architecture is intended to provide decision-makers with continuous situational awareness, without increasing cognitive or operational burden.

Looking ahead, Space Machines Company plans to offer the mature STARS capability to allied partners via the Solstice OS platform. This coalition-ready approach would allow partners to integrate their own intelligence sources while coordinating collective defensive responses, reinforcing Australia’s role in allied, multi-domain space operations.

“SMC’s selection reflects our proven expertise in autonomous spacecraft operations and distributed command-and-control systems,” Kulshrestha concluded. “Our ability to integrate real-time data processing, mission planning, and fleet coordination forms the foundation for threat analysis capabilities that must operate at the speed and scale of modern space warfare.”