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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton has introduced a concept for a large grouping of satellites. This “Brilliant Swarms” system is envisioned as a key component of a comprehensive missile defense shield, aligning with the prior administration’s aim to bolster U.S. national security. The proposed network is designed to protect the United States from advanced missile threats.
Booz Allen Hamilton’s “Brilliant Swarms” Satellite Constellation
Dubbed “Brilliant Swarms,” the concept encompasses potentially 2,000 compact satellites. Company executives stated this network would operate as an interconnected system, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology for enhanced performance.
Chris Bogdan, Executive Vice President at Booz Allen and leader of the company’s space division, informed reporters on March 27 that “Brilliant Swarms” offers a significant advancement over current missile defense approaches. “In contrast to today’s ground-based interceptors with single-shot capability, Brilliant Swarms provides a multi-shot capacity to counter missile launches during the boost-ascent and early mid-course phases of flight,” Bogdan explained.
These satellites are designed for dual functionality, serving as both detection platforms and “kill vehicles.” They would autonomously de-orbit and physically impact targets, eliminating the need for traditional space-based missiles to intercept threats.
Projected Cost and Development Timeline
Trey Obering, Senior Advisor at Booz Allen and former director of the Missile Defense Agency, indicated the “Brilliant Swarms” system could be developed and deployed for roughly $25 billion. He emphasized this figure is considerably less than the $65 billion allocated to existing missile defense systems primarily focused on threats from nations like North Korea and Iran.
During the announcement, Obering pointed out, “The existing missile defense infrastructure is not designed to effectively address threats originating from Russia and China.”
Booz Allen has presented this innovative concept to the Missile Defense Agency. The company anticipates demonstrating the capability to intercept a cooperative target within three years. They project the ability to engage multiple uncooperative targets by the fourth year, with full operational deployment potentially achievable within five to seven years.
Technical Details of Brilliant Swarms
The proposed architecture for “Brilliant Swarms” would include between 1,000 and 2,000 satellites distributed across 20 orbital planes. Each plane would host approximately 100 satellites in polar orbits, positioned at altitudes ranging from 300 to 600 kilometers. With each satellite weighing between 48 and 80 kilograms, a large rocket could facilitate the simultaneous launch of up to 100 satellites.
This advanced system is intended to counter a wide array of threats outlined in the executive order, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, glide vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Bogdan detailed that each satellite would perform multiple functions concurrently, acting as a communications node, tracking system, and kinetic interceptor. “Each satellite possesses awareness of all others in the constellation. Unlike current ground-based, single-shot interceptors, every satellite functions as both a sensor and a hit-to-kill interceptor,” he stated.
Inspiration from Ukrainian Defense Strategies
Bogdan drew a comparison between “Brilliant Swarms” and Ukraine’s GIS Arta defense system. This system, informally known as “Uber for artillery,” coordinates diverse data sources and artillery units to optimize strikes against opposing forces.
“Imagine applying this capability in space,” Bogdan suggested. “A constellation of satellites tracks a newly launched missile and then autonomously selects the most effective satellites within the constellation to converge on the missile in real time. These satellites then act as hit-to-kill vehicles.”
The “Brilliant Swarms” system would also incorporate self-defense mechanisms against anti-satellite weapons. Employing the same “hit-to-kill” technique, it could counter threats directed at the constellation itself.
Brilliant Swarms as a Complementary System
Booz Allen executives emphasized that “Brilliant Swarms” is designed to be complementary to, rather than competitive with, existing Pentagon programs. These programs are currently being pursued by the Space Development Agency and the Missile Defense Agency.
“Integration into the broader missile defense framework is crucial, particularly concerning ground-based interceptors and other layers of the defense system,” Bogdan stated. “We do not view this as a duplication of existing efforts but rather as an addition of complementary capability.”
While the “Brilliant Swarms” name resembles the Reagan administration’s “Brilliant Pebbles” missile defense concept—which critics dismissed as “Star Wars”—Bogdan asserted that the current approach is more practical. He cited the enhanced affordability and feasibility of rapidly deploying thousands of small satellites into orbit.
As a consulting firm, Booz Allen does not handle hardware manufacturing directly. However, they have established partnerships with various suppliers, including launch service providers and startup companies, some of which are supported by Booz Allen Ventures.
“Our key contribution is providing the technical integration and cohesion necessary to unite this novel technical architecture,” Obering explained.
Obering further detailed that the interceptor satellites would not carry explosives. They would utilize kinetic energy alone to neutralize targets. Despite their relatively compact size—approximately the size of a small refrigerator—each satellite could function as a potent interceptor. This is due to the immense kinetic energy generated by their high velocity, which would be sufficient to destroy the target missile upon impact. He also noted that around 40% of each satellite is expected to burn up during atmospheric re-entry, with approximately 10% potentially surviving to reach the ground as debris.