Blue Ring to Become First Fully Commercial Space Domain Awareness Mission in GEO with Optimum Technologies’ Sensor

BLUE ORIGIN - Blue Origin announced today an agreement with Optimum Technologies (OpTech) to integrate its next-generation Caracal optical payload onboard the first mission of Blue Ring, the highly maneuverable multi-mission spacecraft for payload delivery, hosting, and infrastructure services. Blue Ring's first mission is expected to launch in 2026 with initial injection into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and additional services performed in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). The Blue Ring vehicle will demonstrate its ability to simultaneously support the GEO tracking and custody mission as well as space object characterization, leveraging dynamic maneuverability to support high-resolution characterization.

OpTech's Caracal sensor is designed to provide actionable insights on resident space objects and orbital activity and includes onboard image storage, object detection algorithms, and passive thermal control. The payload is designed to operate flexibly across dynamic orbits over a year-long mission profile. Caracal will fly with Scout Space’s Owl sensor, along with internally developed payloads, all demonstrating Blue Ring as the ideal platform for supporting future GEO space domain awareness missions. 

…

Note:  Blue Origin is headquartered in Kent.

Click here to read the full article.