Space
Space

Insight

Using Danish technology, satellites autonomously find each other in space

Insight

Using Danish technology, satellites autonomously find each other in space

DANISH SPACE RESEARCH GO ABOVE AND BEYOND

When

Visualization of the satellites working in tandem to study the Sun’s corona. Illustration: ESA

Researchers from DTU Space have developed and perfected AI-driven methods and advanced digital camera systems which allow satellites to autonomously identify and locate each other from several kilometres away, meet at a distance of only a few meters, and maintain close, synchronized formation flight with submillimetre accuracy.

Researchers at DTU Space have designed and refined AI-based methods along with advanced digital imaging systems that enable satellites to autonomously detect and track one another from several kilometres apart. These systems allow them to approach within just a few meters and maintain tightly coordinated formation flying with submillimetre precision.

Each satellite is equipped with a distinct star-like pattern on its surface. Onboard navigation cameras recognize these patterns on the companion satellite and use them to calculate relative position and distance with exceptional accuracy in space. When smaller satellites fly in highly precise formation across distances of hundreds of meters, they can effectively function as a single, large mirror. This concept opens the door to capturing sharper images of distant stars and galaxies than what conventional space telescopes can achieve.

After completing the first scientific observations of the Sun’s corona, DTU Space was given control of the spacecraft for one week to fully test its navigation technology. During this time, the satellites successfully located one another independently, adjusted their trajectories, and aligned in formation with extraordinary precision, comparable to hitting the centre of a coin with a laser from three kilometres away.

Denmark ranks second in the 2025 Waseda University World Digital Government Rankings. Among the 66 countries and economies assessed, only the United Kingdom ranks higher. Denmark is also the highest-ranked EU member state, ahead of Estonia in fourth place, the Netherlands in sixth, and Finland in tenth.

Denmark also records the fifth-highest composite score in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) 2025 Digital Government Index, tied with Norway, Estonia, and Ireland. The index assesses the foundations that enable governments to use data and technology to support a coherent, human-centred digital transformation of the public sector. 

OECD Digital Government Index 2025 results (top 10 countries)
OECD Digital Government Index 2025 results (top 10 countries). Scores are rounded to two decimal places. Countries with identical rounded composite scores share the same position.

The two assessments use different methodologies, but both point to Denmark’s broad-based digital maturity across areas such as public-sector infrastructure, data governance, online services, cybersecurity and user-centred digital government.

For international companies, these capabilities support a business environment in which many interactions with public authorities can be handled digitally and efficiently. 

A digitally integrated public sector

Denmark’s performance reflects a long-term, coordinated approach to digitalisation across government. Strong digital-government foundations require progress across several interconnected areas rather than a narrow focus on individual technologies.

In Denmark, these foundations include:

  • Established data-governance and access to open data
  • Advanced digital infrastructure and a strong focus on cybersecurity
  • Citizen-centred and user-driven public services
  • National strategies and regulatory guidance supporting the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence

For businesses, a digitally integrated public sector can facilitate interactions with public authorities, reduce administrative burdens and support more efficient day-to-day operations. 

Methodology

Waseda University World Digital Government Rankings

Now in its 20th edition, the Waseda University ranking assesses 66 digitally advanced countries and economies. The assessment covers ten weighted indicators:

  1. Network infrastructure preparedness
  2. Administrative and management optimisation
  3. Online services
  4. National portal usability
  5. Government Chief Information Officer performance
  6. Digital-government strategy and promotion
  7. Electronic participation
  8. Open government data and digital transformation
  9. Cybersecurity
  10. Information and communication technology and emerging technologies

The assessment draws on research and questionnaires completed by relevant government officials and academics with expertise in digital government.

OECD Digital Government Index

The OECD Digital Government Index assesses the foundations that enable a coherent and human-centred digital transformation of the public sector. It covers six dimensions:

  1. Digital by design: Integrating digital considerations into policymaking and public-service transformation.
  2. Data-driven public sector: Developing the governance and systems required for data access, sharing and reuse.
  3. Government as a platform: Providing shared tools, guidelines, data, digital identity and software across the public sector.
  4. Open by default: Using technology and data to promote openness, communication and engagement.
  5. User-driven: Placing user needs at the centre of public-policy and service design.
  6. Proactiveness: Anticipating user needs and delivering services proactively.

Each dimension is assessed across four stages of the policy cycle: strategic approach, policy levers, implementation and monitoring.

Data for the 2025 index were collected through the OECD Survey on Digital Government 3.0. The results cover policies and initiatives implemented between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 and therefore do not reflect more recent developments. 

Copenhagen

Kolding

Silkeborg

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Aalborg

Oslo

London

Paris

Munich

New-York

Toronto

Silicon-Valley

Tokyo

Bangalore

Taipei

Shanghai

Singapore