El Segundo, California — While the merits of artificial intelligence may be debated in some areas, such as education and entertainment, U.S. Space Force (USSF) leaders highlighted the current and future value of artificial intelligence in military space operations during a two-day forum co-hosted by U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) and Space Systems Command (SSC).
“It is clear that artificial intelligence and machine learning can, should and will play a powerful role in the years to come, including in our efforts to counter emerging threats and keep our nation, our assets and our allies safe and secure,” said Gen. Michael Gutlein, USSF vice chief of space operations, in his opening remarks.
The event, hosted by SSC’s Commercial Space Office and Front Door, took place June 25-26 in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, bringing together military, government, civilian and industry experts for forward-thinking discussions about how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can advance the emerging field known as cognitive space operations (COGSPO).
“Without a doubt, the incorporation of AI and ML into space operations can and will be a game-changer,” Getlein said, “enabling us to anticipate and respond to new threats with unprecedented speed and precision.”
In November, the Department of Defense (DoD) ramped up its AI/ML efforts by releasing its 2023 Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy, in which industry collaboration plays a key role.
“As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in space, it's essential that we invest in and leverage AI and ML, and we need industry to lead the way, providing capabilities and cutting-edge innovation,” Guettlein said.
Facilitating dialogue between government and industry is the primary function of SSC's Front Door. Front Door is a single resource hub where companies can learn how to do business with government and align their technology with the Space Force's needs. In addition to managing a web portal that responds to industry inquiries, Front Door also sponsors Industry Days (and Reverse Industry Days). Each event is an opportunity for industry to network with government representatives, learn about their mission areas, and share promising capabilities. Front Door also connects companies with investment opportunities to organizations such as SpaceWERX and the Defense Innovation Unit.
According to Jenn Ross of SSC's Commercial Space Office, the COGSPO event marked the first time SSC co-hosted a Reverse Industry Day with USSPACECOM. “Perhaps no other emerging technology will impact the entire space enterprise mission set as much as AI/ML,” Ross said. “USSPACECOM's involvement in crafting the agenda and participation in the dialogue allowed attendees to gain valuable warfighter perspectives across the full range of military services and capabilities.”
On the industry side, the COGSPO Forum brought together various players in the AI/ML industry, from early stage startups to well-established companies such as SAAS, who provided meeting space at the event. Presentations, panel discussions and informal networking provided an opportunity to address government questions such as:
- How can we use AI to optimize our ability to harness the vast amounts of data coming from satellites to improve missions like missile warning and missile tracking?
- How can AI help streamline operations and reduce the most labor-intensive tasks?
- How can AI be used to improve anomaly detection, prediction, and recovery in systems?
- How does AI enable satellite protection and defense missions?
Across applications and capabilities, speed is the fundamental advantage driving the adoption of both artificial intelligence and machine learning. Faster data analysis means faster decisions, providing the nation and its allies with what the Department of Defense calls a “durable decision advantage.”
“These technologies are capable of processing vast amounts of data at speeds far beyond human capabilities, providing actionable insights that are essential for decision-making in dynamic and critical scenarios,” Getlein said.
AI/ML-enabled projects already underway at SSC include developing AI and ML solutions to track dark targets. Machine learning can also help analyze satellites in orbit for signs of camouflage, concealment and deception, as well as identify anomalous objects that may pose a threat. Other areas of interest include the use of machine learning algorithms to perform predictive analytics, natural language processing to improve communications, and the use of computer vision to improve surveillance and reconnaissance.
Getlein called industry “our competitive advantage” and noted that the military in general, and the Space Force in particular, also have an obligation to “make significant investments in training and education so that personnel have the skills necessary to use AI tools and understand the implications of their use.”
Together, he said, we can win.
