BigBear.ai has entered into a strategic partnership with Proof Labs Inc to create an advanced cyber resilience solution specifically intended for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The collaboration, which was announced on December 17, 2024, sees Proof Labs serving as the prime contractor, having secured an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct-to-Phase II contract. BigBear.ai, a prominent provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions focused on defence and national security, will act as a subcontractor in this initiative.
The initiative aims to develop the Cyber Resilient On-Orbit (CROO) solution, which will utilise BigBear.ai's proprietary SpaceCREST digital twin technology. This technology functions as a real-time monitoring and alerting mechanism for the cyber infrastructures of satellite networks. The primary goal of the CROO solution is to enhance the cyber defence capabilities for on-orbit assets used by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and U.S. Space Force (USSF), employing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to detect potential intrusions effectively.
Ricardo Aguilar, the Co-Founder and CEO of Proof Labs Inc, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Proof Labs is excited to collaborate with BigBear.ai to develop and deliver an advanced intrusion detection system utilizing artificial intelligence for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Cyber Resiliency program." He highlighted that this partnership merges Proof Labs' innovative approaches with BigBear.ai's proficiency in AI-driven analytics, aimed at bolstering the cybersecurity of critical space assets. The development of this solution supports the overarching mission of both the USAF and USSF to uphold resilient and secure space capabilities.
BigBear.ai plans to employ simulations of various cyberattacks to train the CROO's AI/ML models. The firm will assess and classify satellite systems’ behaviour during regular operations and in scenarios involving cyberattacks. The algorithms developed will enable continuous monitoring, facilitate real-time anomaly detection, and issue alerts concerning cyber threats as they arise.
Robert Wedertz, Senior Vice President for Federal at BigBear.ai, commented on the project's significance, saying, "This project represents a significant step forward in safeguarding our nation's space infrastructure." He noted that the integration of SpaceCREST’s digital twin capabilities, along with custom machine learning and anomaly detection advancements made through the project, would provide the DAF with a robust tool to combat immediate cyber threats, thereby ensuring the resilience of the nation’s critical space assets.
The collaboration between BigBear.ai and Proof Labs is anticipated to enhance the cybersecurity posture of systems employed by both the USAF and USSF, thereby ensuring secure and resilient operations for space-based assets in an increasingly complex cyber environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services