Autonomous swarms of small drones and UAVs are now widely used in civil, defense, and commercial sectors. Powered by advanced sensors, AI, and communication systems, these swarms can operate independently or as part of larger systems.

In space, experimental swarm missions with small satellites have now been successful in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and precise formation flying, a key capability for swarms, has been demonstrated in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO). More advanced small satellite missions are planned in LEO, HEO, Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), for applications ranging from Earth observation to space science.

Deep space swarms supported by larger carrier spacecraft are becoming a reality, with the first hitchhiking CubeSats now en route an asteroid, and Moon/Mars orbiting swarm concepts being studied for launches through the 2030s. Other advanced ideas include "aggregated swarms" — small spacecraft joining to form larger structures, potentially assisted by robotic assembly and 3D printing in space.

This year, a special session will be dedicated on swarm missions. Authors are invited to submit their contribution on swarm missions and relevant technologies that will shape the future of space systems.