Analyzing Commercial Satellite Imagery with AI/ML to Provide Indications of Foreign Launch Activity

Launch cycles are activities and/or events that take place prior to and leading up to a launch event. Launch activities can vary widely in type and indication; everything from troop movement, vehicle movement, strategic posturing, and resource allocation can be included as a part of a launch cycle. A launch cycle can begin with little to no warning and can last minutes, hours, or days. The ability to detect and identify that start of a launch cycle provides an intrinsic value to the SDA community’s ability to quickly search and acquire newly launched vehicles. The further left of launch, the greater value to space operations. Having early notification of launch cycles will tip and cue sensor owners to be prepared for upcoming launch activities.Our proposal leverages AI/ML to enhance commercial Space Domain Awareness (SDA) by detecting potential rocket launches using commercial satellite imagery. RAIC Labs’s Rapid Automatic Image Categorization (RAIC) software allows for rapid analysis of large pixel-based datasets and automatic AI model training without extensive labeling. We propose to modify this technology to find indications of potential impending DA ASAT launches, from either fixed launch sites, mobile launch sites, or sea-launches. The Implementation Plan will be as follows: AI Model Development: Build models and automated change detection capabilities to find & analyze launch sites. Integration: Deploy and automate RAIC’s capabilities into the SDA Tools, Applications, and Processing (TAP) Lab. Field Testing: Integrate RAIC into Saber Astronautics’ Space Cockpit Battle Management System, already deployed and operational within the USSF’s Joint Commercial Operations cell (JCO), enabling warfighters to test the prototype and prepare for Phase III operational use.Our proposal team is exceptionally well-positioned to succeed in this effort due to the combined strengths and proven capabilities of our partners: RAIC Labs: A leader in AI/ML innovation, RAIC Labs has secured multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 SBIR awards, demonstrating the effectiveness of its Rapid Automatic Image Categorization (RAIC) software across diverse applications. Saber Astronautics: Their Space Cockpit Battle Management System, tailored for warfighters at the tactical edge, is already deployed within USSF on NIPR, SIPR, and JWICS networks, and has been adopted by USSF’s Delta 8 as their Common Operating Picture (COP). CU Boulder’s Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI): As one of the nation’s top-ranked Tier 1 research institutions, CU Boulder is well-known for its groundbreaking research. NSI’s team of technical experts and world-class research scientists provide high-impact national security research and workforce development. Tech7: Tech 7 brings expertise in supporting Government system acquisition and rapid capability development and delivery. For this effort, they will provide critical API software development expertise for integration into multiple environments.