DARPA, Raytheon partner on small satellite imaging project

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded a $1.5 million contract to Raytheon to tackle the initial phase of the Space Enabled Effects for Military Engagements (SeeMe) program, the company said Dec. 13.

Under the contract, Raytheon will complete in the next nine months a design for small satellites to enhance situational awareness in the battlespace, the company said.

The SeeMe program will furnish on-demand imagery information directly to warfighters from a low-cost satellite constellation, the company said.

Raytheon's project team includes Sierra Nevada, University of Arizona and SRI International. The partners will be involved not only with design work, but also with production in subsequent phases, the company said.

The company is scheduled to deliver six satellites for ground testing during the second phase scheduled to begin in 2013, the company said. The launch schedule for the constellation has not yet been announced.