Palmer Luckey’s defense tech startup Anduril is expanding its AI capabilities into space, partnering with LA-based satellite hardware company Apex to deploy artificial intelligence-powered surveillance systems for monitoring both Earth and space. The ambitious initiative represents a significant expansion of Anduril’s defense technology portfolio beyond its existing autonomous flying and underwater devices.
The partnership with Apex will leverage off-the-shelf satellite buses — the main structural components that house satellite payloads and technology — to rapidly deploy Anduril’s AI systems for critical missions including space situational awareness, missile warning, and tracking capabilities. This collaboration aims to enable “rapid development and delivery of space systems for the United States and partners,” according to Anduril’s announcement.
Anduril, co-founded by Oculus billionaire Palmer Luckey in 2017, plans to launch its first self-funded space mission in 2025. The company stated this mission would serve as “the foundation for Anduril and Apex’s commitment to regularly deploying more mass to orbit,” signaling long-term ambitions in the space sector.
The space initiative is backed by substantial government contracts. Last week, Anduril secured a $25.3 million contract with the US Space Force to expand its artificial intelligence-powered Lattice software across the Space Force’s Space Surveillance Network (SSN). The Lattice system will strengthen network communications by providing “warfighters with real-time data exploitation, autonomous coordination of satellites, and resilient communication capabilities.”
Gokul Subramanian, Anduril’s SVP of Space and Engineering, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative: “Space is a contested warfighting domain and we recognize the importance of equipping spacecraft with advanced autonomy and cutting-edge payloads.”
Anduril’s broader defense strategy has gained significant momentum over the past year. The company has secured major contracts with the US Air Force and both Australia’s Navy and Air Force to provide autonomous systems. The startup positions itself as the solution to the US military’s production and procurement challenges, arguing that future military success depends on the ability to rapidly manufacture advanced weaponry at scale.
Following a $1.5 billion Series F funding round in August, Anduril announced plans to construct a massive five million-square-foot factory designed to “hyperscale” defense production and “rebuild the arsenal of democracy.” This facility would support the company’s vision of transforming defense manufacturing through AI-powered automation and rapid production capabilities.
Key Quotes
Space is a contested warfighting domain and we recognize the importance of equipping spacecraft with advanced autonomy and cutting-edge payloads
Gokul Subramanian, Anduril’s SVP of Space and Engineering, explained the strategic rationale behind the company’s space initiative, highlighting how AI-powered autonomy is becoming essential for military operations in space.
be the foundation for Anduril and Apex’s commitment to regularly deploying more mass to orbit
Anduril described its planned 2025 self-funded space mission, indicating the company’s long-term commitment to establishing a sustained presence in space with regular satellite deployments powered by AI systems.
warfighters with real-time data exploitation, autonomous coordination of satellites, and resilient communication capabilities
The company outlined the specific AI capabilities its Lattice software will provide to the Space Force’s Space Surveillance Network, emphasizing real-time autonomous decision-making and coordination.
Our Take
Anduril’s expansion into AI-powered space surveillance represents a pivotal moment in the militarization of artificial intelligence. The company’s strategy of combining commercial satellite hardware with proprietary AI software demonstrates a new model for defense innovation that bypasses traditional procurement bottlenecks. What’s particularly significant is the emphasis on autonomous coordination and real-time data processing — capabilities that could provide decisive advantages in future conflicts. The $25.3 million Space Force contract, while modest compared to traditional defense deals, validates the military’s growing reliance on AI for critical infrastructure. As geopolitical tensions escalate and space becomes increasingly crowded with satellites from multiple nations, AI-powered surveillance and tracking systems like Anduril’s could become essential for maintaining strategic superiority. This development also raises important questions about AI autonomy in military applications and the pace of AI arms races.
Why This Matters
This development marks a critical expansion of AI technology into space-based defense systems, representing the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and satellite surveillance capabilities. Anduril’s move into space demonstrates how AI is becoming central to modern military strategy and national security infrastructure.
The integration of AI-powered systems into satellite networks has far-reaching implications for global surveillance, missile defense, and space domain awareness. As space becomes increasingly contested, the ability to autonomously coordinate satellites, process real-time data, and track threats could fundamentally reshape military capabilities and geopolitical power dynamics.
For the broader AI industry, this signals growing government investment in AI defense applications and validates the commercial viability of AI-powered autonomous systems. Anduril’s rapid growth and substantial funding demonstrate investor confidence in AI-driven defense technology, potentially spurring further innovation and competition in this sector. The company’s approach of combining commercial agility with military-grade AI systems could establish new paradigms for defense procurement and production.
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