Legion Space: Making Satellite Operations Smarter and More Efficient
Legion Space is a participant in Cohort 4 of Transform, a data science and AI startup accelerator powered at the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Innovation in collaboration with the Data Science Institute.
Legion Space’s solution is LegionKIT, a modular, plug-and-play platform designed to make satellite operations smarter and more efficient.
Marwah Abidin and Aman Folami-Reese met on their first day at the University of Chicago in 2016. they had no idea they would one day launch a company aiming to transform satellite operations. Fast forward a few years, and a mutual connection in the tech industry introduced them to Kalendrix Grayson, a seasoned space systems engineer. The trio bonded over their shared vision of solving one of the most pressing challenges in satellite technology: inefficiency in data collection and real-time decision-making.
Now, the team is on a mission to revolutionize how satellites operate in low Earth orbit (LEO). Traditional satellite systems, which rely heavily on ground control for data processing, are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for satellite data. “Conventional satellite technology creates a significant bottleneck in the flow of information,” said Aman Folami-Reese. “Satellites often operate in silos, unable to coordinate, communicate, or adapt to changing mission requirements. This limits their effectiveness and the potential value they can deliver.”
Legion Space’s solution is LegionKIT, a modular, plug-and-play platform designed to make satellite operations smarter and more efficient. Unlike existing systems, LegionKIT leverages swarm intelligence, enabling satellites to collaborate in real-time and share data seamlessly. “We’re transforming satellite intelligence into true sentience,” said Folami-Reese. “This approach derisks missions, maximizes ROI, and ensures richer insights for our customers.”
The platform’s onboard AI processes data directly on the satellite, reducing latency, optimizing bandwidth, and minimizing data download costs by up to 85%. This shift allows satellites to go beyond simply collecting data; they become intelligent systems capable of analyzing information and making decisions autonomously. “Our flagship product changes the game by enabling satellites to evolve with advancements in AI,” added Folami-Reese. “This future-proof design ensures that they remain cutting-edge without the need for constant hardware upgrades.”
The team’s unique blend of expertise positions them well to tackle these challenges. Marwah Abidin, with her background in AI and astrophysics and experience at NASA and Fermilab, brings technical and leadership skills honed at startups and corporate companies. Kalendrix Grayson, who has led the development of mission-critical satellite systems for defense and government applications, ensures the team’s solutions are both cutting-edge and rigorously engineered. Folami-Reese’s experience advising Fortune 500 companies on strategy and analytics ties it all together, driving the company’s strategic direction and customer acquisition efforts.
While still finalizing their prototype, Legion Space has already garnered significant interest from potential customers, including NASA and other satellite operators. They are also building partnerships with research institutions and industry leaders to validate their technology and accelerate its development. Over the next year, the team plans to complete their MVP, secure pilot projects, and gather customer feedback. “Our goal is to reach TRL 8, marking readiness for deployment,” said Folami-Reese. “This will be a pivotal moment in our mission to enhance satellite autonomy and collaboration.”
Looking further ahead, Legion Space has ambitious plans. In five years, they aim to expand beyond Earth observation to applications like space situational awareness, satellite health monitoring, and even deep-space exploration. “We want to empower organizations of all sizes—startups, nonprofits, educational institutions—to leverage satellite data for meaningful applications like disaster response and environmental monitoring,” said Folami-Reese. “Ultimately, we see ourselves contributing to a more efficient and equitable use of orbital resources.”
As part of Transform, the team hopes to refine their business strategy, build a network of mentors, and accelerate their go-to-market efforts. “The program offers invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, secure investments, and test our MVP,” said Folami-Reese. “We’re excited to take these next steps toward making Legion Space a leader in autonomous satellite operations.”
With a vision as vast as the cosmos, Legion Space is poised to redefine what’s possible in satellite technology. Their journey is just beginning, but their innovative approach and determined team make them a company to watch in the rapidly evolving space industry.
// Read more about Cohort 4 startups: Asters | Dev Difference | ORO Intelligence | PAC Dynamic | Slideflow Labs