Shield AI, Sedaro, and NOVI Space successfully demonstrated AI-powered autonomous satellite operations in orbit, marking the first time Shield AI’s Hivemind AI pilot has operated aboard a satellite in space. The system worked with Sedaro’s SAFE framework to manage a six-satellite constellation, balancing imaging tasks, spacecraft health, battery levels, and positioning.

During a 24-hour test, the satellite executed 189 AI-generated commands that were validated by SAFE before being carried out. A separate experiment improved the satellite’s Iridium communication contact initiation by 8 percentage points.

The demonstration shows how trusted autonomy could reduce the need for manual satellite operations as constellations become larger and more complex. It also marks an important step for autonomous military and intelligence missions in space, with the technology developed partly through a U.S. Space Force SpaceWERX program.