Miles Space has unveiled a water-fueled electric thruster, Poseidon M1.5, operating at significantly reduced power levels. Tested on a European satellite in September 2024, the thruster, designed for one-unit cubesats, produced 37.5 millinewtons of thrust at a specific impulse of 4,800 seconds, drawing only 1.5 watts. This innovation, developed with AI assistance, could enable high Delta V missions previously infeasible due to fuel or power constraints.
Booz Allen Hamilton introduced "Brilliant Swarms," a concept for a missile-defense satellite constellation. Comprising up to 2,000 AI-powered small satellites, the network would detect and intercept missile launches during boost-ascent and early mid-course phases. These satellites would function as both detection systems and “kill vehicles,” physically impacting threats. Booz Allen estimates a development cost of $25 billion and suggests full deployment within five to seven years. The system would complement existing missile defense programs.