Slingshot Aerospace has secured a new contract from the UK Space Agency to expand Britain’s satellite tracking capabilities using artificial intelligence and optical sensors.
The integration of Slingshot’s technology will help the UK track satellites, debris, and other near-Earth objects more precisely, according to the company’s announcement.
This agreement aims to enhance London’s sovereign space domain awareness as orbital congestion grows at an unprecedented pace.
A total of 13 new optical sensor systems will be deployed across five global sites under the program. Each will be equipped with autonomous AllSky Domes, produced in partnership with Baader Planetarium, for 24/7 operation in all weather conditions.
Angus Stewart, head of the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), said the partnership was vital for safeguarding UK and allied interests in space while ensuring long-term orbital sustainability.
For Slingshot, the contract aims to deepen its global footprint in space traffic coordination and data-driven orbital monitoring. The company currently operates over 200 sensors in 21 locations worldwide.
UK Pushes Ahead With AI for Space Surveillance
AI is becoming a central element in the UK’s strategy to strengthen its space capabilities.
In October 2025, the UK Space Command began testing AI-enabled algorithms to predict potential satellite collisions, integrating real-time data from radar and optical sensors.
The NSpOC has also been expanding its Aurora program, which uses AI to process sensor data and detect anomalous activity, such as unregistered satellites or unexpected orbital maneuvers.
Earlier this year, the UK Space Agency launched an AI innovation fund to support private firms developing predictive maintenance tools for spacecraft and satellite health monitoring.
