There are now 14,000 satellites and 27,000 objects in orbit. Overcrowding causes collisions, light pollution and communications problems. This is why an intelligent space autopilot was created that finds and controls faults on its own, encouraging their removal
The space has never been so crowded. In March 2025 there were more 14,000 individual satellites in orbit to which they are added 27,000 tracked objects between inactive satellites, abandoned rocket stages and large debris, a 31% increase compared to 2023 which confirms the growth of space traffic and alarms the scientific community.
With overcrowding, thelight pollution (which makes astronomical observation more difficult) and above all the risk of collisions, cyber-attacks and interference in communications.
Asimov, the intelligent space autopilot, is born
To respond to the challenges of satellite overcrowding, universities and companies are collaborating to find new solutions based on artificial intelligence: this is how Asimovan intelligent “space autopilot” capable of autonomously approaching, mapping and monitoring inactive or non-cooperative objects (such as faulty satellites), to inspections, maintenance or removal.
The idea is coordinated by Aikoa Turin-based company that develops advanced software based on artificial intelligence and automation for space applications, in collaboration with Polytechnic of Milan, T4i And Tiny Bull Studiobrought together in a project financed byItalian Space Agency.
The project and its technologies
The name Asimov is the acronym for Autonomous System for In-orbit Mapping and Observation of non-cooperative Vehiclesthe first real one intelligent space autopilot capable of inspecting and mapping non-cooperative objects in low Earth orbit, such as faulty satellites or unknown debris, in complete autonomy.
At the heart of the project is an innovative system guidance, navigation and control (CNG) based on artificial intelligence, which integrates autonomous navigation modules and learning algorithms useful for planning approach trajectories. The new satellite will be able to recognize and reconstruct the geometry of objects to be inspected without ground support.
The voices of the project
Lorenzo FeruglioCEO and co-founder of Aiko, explains:
“The problem of space overcrowding is complex and addressing it requires a shared approach: this is why collaboration between companies in the space sector, universities and research bodies is fundamental. Only by combining different skills can we concretely tackle this challenge and offer effective responses at an international level, developing innovative solutions such as space autopilot. Our goal is to build a sustainable orbital future in which we protect the environment and preserve access to space for generations to come.”
“We want to demonstrate how artificial intelligence is a key enabler to optimize the monitoring and management of satellites, making mapping and control operations possible that were unthinkable until recently. AI is not just an automation tool, but a technology capable of increasing the reliability and safety of missions, minimizing risks and inefficiencies.”
Michele Lavagnafull professor of flight mechanics at the Polytechnic of Milan, adds:
“The Polytechnic of Milan contributes to the development of algorithms and plays a central role in the verification activities of the navigation and autonomous driving techniques developed in Asimov. In the Argos laboratory we reproduce orbital dynamics by coordinating robotic arms, optical sensors and satellite models, acquiring live images in an environment that reproduces deep space. It is a new frontier of autonomous control of satellite systems, crucial for future proximity and in-orbit service operations.”
The challenge of orbital overcrowding
There challenge of space overcrowding is generating increasingly concrete risks: in addition to the danger of collisions between satellites, which can produce a cascade of thousands of new debris, the phenomenon has direct repercussions on scientific research and safety.
The mega-constellations of satellites (like Starlink) reflect sunlight causing light pollution that disturbs astronomical observations and compromises the discovery of crucial phenomena such as the passage of asteroids. They add to this interference in communicationsrisks for astronauts and vulnerabilities to possible cyber or physical attacks.
“Cleaning” strategies and missions
Inactive satellites and abandoned rocket stages also contribute to the problem: without disposal or removal they end up wandering uncontrollably in space.
For this reason they are developing today disposal strategies and cleanup missions: satellites dedicated to the removal of no longer active objects, systems for refueling and extending operational life, technologies controlled deorbiting at the end of the mission.
These are accompanied by international guidelines and programs such as Zero Debris Charter of the European agency ESAwhich promote more sustainable design and shared responsibility for space traffic.
