Anduril satellite tracks spacecraft movements in Earth's shadow

Anduril Industries revealed that its oven-sized satellite, named Anduril-216, successfully demonstrated a new long-wave infrared space sensor. Launched in July on a SpaceX rideshare mission, the satellite orbits roughly 590 km above Earth and spends about a third of each orbit in darkness. The new technology addresses a significant gap in space domain awareness. Traditional optical sensors often lose track of spacecraft when they pass through Earth's shadow, preventing observers from seeing potential maneuvers or threats during eclipse periods. By detecting heat signatures instead of relying on sunlight, the infrared sensor allows monitors to keep track of resident space objects even in full darkness. Engineers adapted this imaging technology from autonomous weapons systems developed by Anduril.