AFWERX, the Air Force framework that seeks to expand technology and talent and transition partnerships to deliver rapid and affordable commercial and military capabilities, recently awarded two Small Business Technology Transfer (Phase 1) contracts to Verus Research.

Streamlined Data-Driven Anomaly Detection, an award in conjunction with the University of Colorado Boulder, will develop satellite anomaly detection software using machine learning. This includes designing onboard data management software to begin to deploy autonomous data and fault management services for satellites. The work will support the Air Force Research Laboratory’s small satellite portfolio, autonomy group, and space security and defense program.

The second effort, Assured and Autonomous Coordinated Inspection, an award in conjunction with the University of Texas at Austin, will provide coordinated satellite control software that will enable autonomous satellite operations. Using this tool, multiple satellites will work together autonomously to achieve a common goal with safety and performance assurances built into the solution. This research will support the U.S. Space Force’s Space & Missile Systems Center.