Kitware’s Neuromorphic Event-based Star Tracker Recognized by DARPA
The DARPA ERIS Marketplace recognizes Kitware’s NEST-SDA technology for its potential to quickly and efficiently detect and track space objects to benefit national security
Clifton Park, N.Y. (May 14, 2025) – Kitware, a leader in cutting-edge sensing and AI technologies, is pleased to announce that its Neuromorphic Event-based Star Tracking for Space Domain Awareness (NEST-SDA), a high-speed, low-power system for detecting and tracking resident space objects, was recently deemed “Awardable” by the DARPA Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS) Marketplace, signaling strong technical merit and readiness for procurement by government agencies.
Kitware’s technology centers on event-based sensors (EBS), which output sparse, high-frequency data streams only when motion is detected, unlike conventional sensors that generate constant frame-based imagery. Kitware’s custom event-based star tracker provides attitude solutions at 1kHz, compared to 2Hz for traditional optical systems, delivering a 500x performance increase in temporal resolution. This enables the system to better detect RSOs and distinguish them from the star field, even from fast-moving platforms and in cluttered orbital environments.
“Our NEST-SDA approach addresses critical sensing gaps in today’s space situational awareness infrastructure,” said Dr. Scott McCloskey, Director of Computational Imaging at Kitware. “By combining neuromorphic sensing with advanced tracking algorithms, we offer a scalable and resilient solution for national security missions—one that’s built for the speed and complexity of modern space operations.”
The pitch video submitted to ERIS describes a full end-to-end concept of operations, showing how the system detects and correlates RSOs with known satellite catalogs using onboard computing. The approach supports real-time tracking from proliferated LEO constellations and paves the way for broader government adoption of space-based event sensors that are more responsive, more power-efficient, and more resistant to environmental interference.
In addition to military relevance, the technology has commercial and civil applications, including satellite operator data services and alignment with the Department of Commerce’s TraCSS initiative for orbital traffic coordination.
Kitware’s video is now available to verified government users through the ERIS Marketplace. Agencies interested in evaluating or procuring the NEST-SDA solution can request access through www.darpaconnect.com/eris.
About Kitware
Kitware delivers innovation to its customers. As a software research and development company, Kitware solves the world’s most complex scientific challenges using custom software solutions built on open source technology. In addition to custom software development, the company also offers technical support and training services to anyone using its open source tools. Since its founding in 1998, Kitware has developed a reputation for its unparalleled technical expertise and excellent customer service. The company is proud to be 100% employee-owned. For additional information, visit kitware.com or follow them on LinkedIn.
About the ERIS Marketplace
The DARPA Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS) Marketplace is a transformative digital platform designed to accelerate acquisition velocity and advance national security innovation. All 7-minute awardable solutions housed in the repository have been assessed through complex scoring rubrics and competitive procedures and are readily available for selection, negotiation, and award by Government customers with a Marketplace account. By streamlining the procurement process, the ERISMarketplace empowers DoD organizations to rapidly acquire disruptive technologies that address the evolving challenges of defense and security. Industry and academia are encouraged to showcase their innovative solutions, connecting directly with DARPA and other government customers seeking revolutionary research and technology. Learn more at: www.darpaconnect.com/eris.
For media requests, please contact outreach@darpa.mil; for all other requests related to the ERIS Marketplace, please contact eris@darpa.mil.