- SCOUT Space Inc. has been chosen as a subcontractor by IARPA for the SINTRA program, focusing on the identification and tracking of space debris.
- The SINTRA program, led by SRI International with support from SCOUT and Leidos, aims to detect and track miniature orbital space debris smaller than 10 cm.
October 4, 2023, RESTON, VA, UNITED STATES – SCOUT Space Inc., renowned for its dedication to ushering in a new age of space safety and transparency, has announced its selection as a subcontractor by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). This collaboration is in support of the SINTRA (Space Debris Identification and Tracking) program, an initiative that seeks to revolutionize the nation’s capabilities in detecting, tracking, and characterizing miniature orbital space debris.
The SINTRA program, awarded to four teams through a competitive Broad Agency Announcement, includes a team led by SRI International. This independent nonprofit research institute, known for its myriad of technological innovations, serves as the prime contractor, receiving support from both SCOUT and Leidos.
The primary objective of the SINTRA program is to address the challenges posed by miniature orbital space debris, particularly those under 10 cm in size. These debris, currently undetectable from the ground, pose significant threats to crewed spacecraft and other invaluable space assets. The program, expected to span four years, aims to develop technologies that can safeguard these assets from potential harm.
SCOUT’s role in this collaboration involves evaluating the space debris environment and strategizing the optimal approach for extensive space debris monitoring. This will involve the utilization of both existing and upcoming sensors, focusing on the detection of both direct and indirect phenomena. The culmination of the SINTRA program will see SCOUT testing and delivering an integrated payload to IARPA.
Sergio Gallucci, Co-founder and CTO of SCOUT, emphasized the complexities of space debris detection and tracking. He stated, “There isn’t one catch-all solution available today, so we are leveraging various sensing modalities and core competencies to synthesize a means to proliferate one.” Gallucci further highlighted SCOUT’s unique position in integrating RF (radio-frequency) sensing modalities with their optical systems, aiming to enhance the understanding of space debris.
Lin van Nieuwstadt, Sr. Research Engineer at SRI International, shed light on the urgency of addressing space debris, noting the potentially catastrophic outcomes of space debris collisions. She remarked, “Currently, there are more than 100 million objects larger than 1mm orbiting the Earth; however, less than 1 percent of mission-ending debris are currently tracked.”
Earlier in July, SCOUT made headlines by successfully concluding an oversubscribed Seed round, spearheaded by Decisive Point and receiving the majority investment from Noblis Ventures.
About SCOUT Space: Founded in 2019, SCOUT Space has been at the forefront of promoting space safety and transparency. With its in-space products and services launched in June 2021, SCOUT aims to enhance Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and advocate for the responsible use of the space environment. As a Techstars, MassChallenge, and venture-backed startup, SCOUT continues to secure both government and commercial contracts.
