Blue Origin announced it will fly Scout Space’s Owl sensor, an AI-powered space surveillance device, on the inaugural operational flight of its new Blue Ring spacecraft.
The mission is scheduled for spring 2026 and will carry the sensor to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) before moving it into geostationary orbit (GEO) for full operation.
Blue Ring is a modular satellite platform capable of carrying up to 13 payloads and nearly 4,000 kilograms of cargo. It is designed for flexibility and can travel to various Earth orbits and even deep space destinations like the Moon and Mars.
The Owl sensor uses artificial intelligence to detect, track, and classify objects in orbit, such as satellites, space debris, and other objects. This technology supports space domain awareness (SDA) efforts crucial for national security and commercial space safety.
The spacecraft will launch aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, which successfully completed its maiden flight in January 2025 with a prototype Blue Ring. This upcoming flight will mark Blue Ring’s first operational mission.
Paul Ebertz, senior vice president at Blue Origin, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“Integrating Scout’s Owl sensor on this first mission marks a significant step forward in advancing SDA capabilities and underscores our commitment to supporting the nation’s mission requirements.”
Scout Space CEO Philip Hover-Smoot added, “We’re thrilled to work with Blue Origin to bring Scout’s secure solutions onboard this historic first Blue Ring mission.”
The mission reflects Blue Origin’s growing role in space missions supporting U.S. national security amid increasing orbital congestion and geopolitical tensions.
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