Automated X-ray Transient Survey (AXTS) 1D-Pathfinder
AXTS (Automated X-ray Transient Survey) is a next-generation space mission concept designed to deliver rapid, continuous, and fully autonomous monitoring of the X-ray sky. By combining wide-field X-ray optics with intelligent onboard processing, AXTS detects and locates faint Galactic and extragalactic X-ray transients in real time without waiting for ground intervention.
The AXTS-1D Pathfinder is our UK Space Agency (UKSA)-funded feasibility study led by the University of Warwick alongside Space Park Leicester. Serving as a crucial step toward full flight readiness, this pathfinder validates our core autonomous software algorithms. The 6U CubeSat mission aims at the Galactic transients in the Galactic plane.
Software Driven
AXTS transforms X-ray transient detection by shifting the heavy lifting from complex hardware to intelligent onboard software. Powered by lightweight Edge-AI, the satellite autonomously identifies transient events, solves sky coordinates, and executes dynamic manoeuvres in real time with zero ground intervention.
Proven Precision
Grounded in decades of European X-ray MPO development and proven laboratory heritage, AXTS combines flight-ready components into a compact, highly robust payload.
Filling the Void
With current wide-field X-ray assets facing operational limits, the global astronomical community urgently needs continuous, high-sensitivity sky monitoring. AXTS offers an immediate, cost-effective solution designed to bridge this critical observational gap without delay.
Jiachen Jiang
University of Warwick
Principal Investigator
Charly Feldman
University of Leicester
Co-Investigator
Partners
Chris Bridges (University of Surrey)