Jackal
A small autonomous spacecraft that maneuvers close to other satellites to photograph and track them, giving the military a clearer picture of what is happening in orbit.
Why it matters
Ground telescopes and radar see satellites only as dots. Close-up inspection from orbit helps operators understand what another country's spacecraft is doing, which the U.S. Space Force treats as a security need.
How the technology works
Jackal carries sensors and propulsion for rendezvous and proximity operations, and is directed by True Anomaly's Mosaic software. True Anomaly says Jackal is being delivered for the Space Force's Andromeda program, tied to the Geosynchronous Reconnaissance and Surveillance Constellation.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction