Anduril Demos Night-Vision Sensor to Track Satellites in Darkness
Source Ars Technica
At a glance
US defense company Anduril says it has successfully tested a satellite sensor that can track spacecraft hiding maneuvers in Earth's shadow. The satellite launched in July on a SpaceX rideshare mission.
Key points
The satellite, named Anduril-216, orbits about 590 km above Earth.
About one-third of each orbit passes through Earth's shadow, where it is dark.
A long-wave infrared (heat-detecting) sensor picks up heat signatures from spacecraft even in shadow.
The first released image shows the Moon above Earth's horizon, seen in infrared.
Why it matters
Optical tracking loses satellites in shadow, so this sensor could help fill a gap in monitoring hostile satellite moves and collision risks.
Original article
Anduril demos night-vision sensor for tracking satellites in darkness
Ars Technica · Nov 12, 2026, 5:22 AM GMT+9 · arstechnica.com
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