Cambridge, UK – 4colors Research has been awarded a proof-of-concept contract by the UK Space Agency to develop sensor scheduling and resource optimisation algorithms for the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). The project, part of the BOREALIS Algorithm Development programme under Innovate UK's Contracts for Innovation scheme, will strengthen the UK's sovereign space domain awareness capabilities.
NSpOC monitors vast numbers of objects in orbit using a network of sovereign and commercial sensors. High demand for observation requires making intelligent scheduling decisions. The centre must allocate limited resources across competing priorities, coordinate multiple sensor networks, and respond rapidly to emerging events, all within tight time constraints.
Scheduling and resource allocation at this scale is a computationally demanding problem. Finding optimal solutions requires algorithms capable of navigating vast solution spaces in real time, balancing competing priorities while adapting to changing conditions.
"As the number of satellites and debris in orbit continues to grow, scheduling observations across a network of sensors becomes an increasingly complex computational problem," said Dr Marcin Kaminski, Founder and CEO of 4colors Research. "This is an ideal application for the optimisation technology we develop at 4colors. We are pleased to work with the UK Space Agency and apply our technology to help NSpOC maintain situational awareness and make the most efficient use of limited sensor resources as space becomes ever more congested."
"As space becomes increasingly congested, the UK must continue to develop sophisticated capabilities to monitor and protect our interests in orbit. This contract with 4colors Research demonstrates our commitment to harnessing UK innovation and expertise to strengthen the National Space Operations Centre's ability to track objects in space," said Angus Stewart, Joint Head of the National Space Operations Centre at the UK Space Agency. "By investing in cutting-edge optimisation technology, we're ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of space domain awareness and can respond effectively to the challenges of an ever-busier space environment."
4colors Research's technology combines mathematical optimisation with artificial intelligence. The company's solvers dynamically adapt to each problem, using machine learning to select and tune the most effective algorithms. This data-driven approach delivers high-quality solutions faster than traditional methods and enables rapid re-planning when conditions change.
4colors Research is an algorithm technology company that develops and commercializes innovative classical and quantum algorithms for complex mathematical optimization problems. Based in Cambridge, UK, the company partners with industry leaders worldwide to deliver solutions that combine emerging computational technologies with deep optimization expertise and a rigorous scientific approach.
4colors' recent milestones include winning the Airbus-BMW Quantum Computing Challenge and securing a proof-of-concept contract with Airbus for quantum supply chain optimisation. The company was also selected as a semifinalist in the global XPRIZE Quantum Applications competition, sponsored by Google Quantum AI, and recently received a grant from Innovate UK to commercialise its algorithmic technology for supply chain and logistics optimisation.
The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) combines and coordinates UK civil and military space domain awareness capabilities to enable operations, promote prosperity and protect UK interests in space and on Earth from space-related threats, risks and hazards.