Hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds five times the speed of sound, have posed a significant challenge for current defense systems. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is working on building a network of satellites in low Earth orbit to detect and track these advanced missile threats. In order to achieve this, the SDA has selected California-based EpiSci to develop advanced software capable of analyzing the data collected by these sensors and identifying hypersonic targets amidst the clutter of objects in the atmosphere.
Under a $1.6 million two-year Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 contract, EpiSci will test its AI-powered software against the data collected by low Earth orbit sensors. The ultimate goal is to accurately identify and track hypersonic threats in real-time.
Collaborating with defense contractor Raytheon Technologies, EpiSci aims to overcome the challenges associated with tracking fast-moving targets across vast distances. The company will leverage Raytheon’s expertise in missile defense simulations and data analysis, as well as their powerful simulation capabilities to generate video feeds resembling the actual satellite data.
EpiSci, known for its specialization in AI for autonomous drones and enhancing combat pilots’ performance, is well-positioned to tackle this project. Their experience in autonomous flight and working with complex scenarios will contribute to the development of effective software algorithms that can detect small hypersonic targets amidst crowded airspace.
The primary challenge faced by EpiSci is maintaining custody of the targets while they maneuver through different camera images from multiple satellites. Overcoming this hurdle requires precise tracking algorithms and seamless collaboration between the satellites in the network.
Through this collaboration, EpiSci aims to demonstrate the successful detection of hypersonic missiles using advanced software algorithms. Starting with data from a single satellite, they will gradually incorporate additional satellites into the simulation to improve accuracy.
This endeavor represents a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of defense systems in detecting and tracking hypersonic threats. With EpiSci’s expertise in AI and Raytheon’s simulation capabilities, the development of advanced software algorithms for satellite-based hypersonic missile detection is well underway.
FAQ section:
Q: What is the purpose of the Space Development Agency (SDA)?
A: The SDA is working on building a network of satellites in low Earth orbit to detect and track hypersonic missile threats.
Q: What is EpiSci’s role in this project?
A: EpiSci has been selected to develop advanced software capable of analyzing the data collected by the satellites and identifying hypersonic targets.
Q: How much is EpiSci’s contract for this project?
A: EpiSci has been awarded a $1.6 million two-year Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 contract.
Q: Who is EpiSci collaborating with?
A: EpiSci is collaborating with defense contractor Raytheon Technologies.
Q: What is the goal of this project?
A: The goal is to accurately identify and track hypersonic threats in real-time using AI-powered software.
Q: What is the primary challenge faced by EpiSci?
A: The primary challenge is maintaining custody of the targets while they maneuver through different camera images from multiple satellites.
Key terms and jargon:
– Hypersonic missiles: Missiles that travel at speeds five times the speed of sound.
– Low Earth orbit: The area of space within a few hundred kilometers above Earth’s surface.
– Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR): A program that encourages small businesses to engage in federal research and development activities that have the potential for commercialization.
– AI-powered software: Software that utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms to perform tasks.
– Simulation capabilities: The ability to create virtual models or representations of real-world systems or environments.
Suggested related link:
EpiSci – Official website of EpiSci, the company working on developing advanced software for detecting hypersonic missiles.
Raytheon Technologies – Official website of Raytheon Technologies, the defense contractor collaborating with EpiSci on this project.
The source of the article is from the blog qhubo.com.ni