AggieSat 6 (AGS 6)

AggieSat 6 [Texas A&M University]

The AggieSat6 (AGS6) is an experimental technology satellite developed by Texas A&M University in the United States. The spacecraft was designed to demonstrate a space-based radiofrequency array system for Space Domain Awareness (SDA), specifically for satellite tracking and orbit determination applications in Low Earth Orbit.

The primary mission of AGS6 is to demonstrate the ability to track satellites from space rather than relying exclusively on ground-based observation systems. The spacecraft carries a radiofrequency antenna array intended to detect signals emitted by satellites in the Iridium communications constellation. Signal measurements collected by the payload are processed onboard using the Multiple Signal Classification (MuSiC) algorithm, which compares phase differences between individual antennas to determine the direction vector toward the transmitting satellite. By combining multiple observations, AGS6 is intended to characterize the orbital parameters of tracked spacecraft and demonstrate autonomous space-based SDA capabilities.

A secondary mission objective is the study of the low-energy electron radiation environment in Low Earth Orbit. AGS6 carries a dosimeter payload to measure radiation conditions encountered in orbit. The collected data are downlinked to Earth for use in refining and improving existing space radiation environment models.

AGS6 was selected as part of the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP) NS-10 competition sponsored by the United States Department of Defense. The spacecraft serves as a proof-of-concept mission for future distributed or space-based tracking architectures supporting military and civil space operations.

The satellite was developed by Texas A&M University. Its primary payload consists of a multi-element radiofrequency antenna array integrated with onboard digital signal processing hardware capable of executing the MuSiC algorithm in orbit. The spacecraft also incorporates a radiation dosimeter for environmental measurements in LEO.

AggieSat6 was manifested on the STP-29A mission and launched in April 2026 aboard a Minotaur-4 launch vehicle.