Blue Origin is set to launch the first-ever flight of its Blue Ring spacecraft, carrying Scout Space’s Owl sensor, a cutting-edge space domain awareness (SDA) sensor designed to detect and track objects in orbit. The mission, expected to take place in Spring 2026, aims to demonstrate the spacecraft’s capabilities while supporting national security and commercial interests.
The Owl sensor will be integrated into Blue Ring’s modular bus, which can carry up to 13 payloads across multiple ports. The spacecraft is designed for high maneuverability and has a payload capacity of 8,800 pounds. It will launch on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, which successfully reached orbit for the first time in January 2025.
The partnership between Blue Origin and Scout Space highlights the growing focus on space superiority and national security initiatives. The Owl sensor is powered by artificial intelligence to autonomously identify and classify threats or anomalies, supporting the U.S. Space Force’s goal of maintaining space superiority.
“This mission marks a significant step forward in advancing SDA capabilities,” said Paul Ebertz, senior vice president of Blue Origin’s In-Space Systems business unit. “We’re committed to supporting the nation’s mission requirements.”
The launch is part of Blue Origin’s growing efforts to support national security and U.S. dominance in space amid growing orbital congestion and geopolitical tensions.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/blue-origin-to-fly-ai-powered-space-surveillance-sensor-on-1st-flight-of-blue-ring-spacecraft