DARPA seeks new space-based mass targeting software

The Satellite Control Network's largest remote tracking station, operated by the 23rd Space Operations Squadron, at New Boston Space Force Station, New Hampshire. DARPA's Overwatch programme will allow for active tracking of 1,000 targets from space. (US Space Force)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is developing a new satellite-based targeting software, capable of tracking upwards of 1,000 individual terrestrial targets simultaneously from space, once it is mature.

DARPA's Oversight project, as designed, “seeks software solutions to enable autonomous constant custody, or knowledge of target location within accuracies necessary for mission needs” on up to 1,000 individual “targets of interest”, according to an agency overview of the effort. The eventual Oversight tracking software suite will allow the US Armed Forces, as well as allies with access to the software, to mass-track targets “through management of available satellite hardware resources”, the overview stated.