BigBear.ai and Proof Labs develop cyber resilient on-orbit solution for Air Force

BigBear.ai and Proof Labs develop cyber resilient on-orbit solution for Air Force
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 26, 2024

BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), a leader in AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for defense and national security, has partnered with Proof Labs Inc to create a cyber resilience solution for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Proof Labs, serving as the prime contractor, secured an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct-to-Phase II contract to develop the Cyber Resilient On-Orbit (CROO) solution, with BigBear.ai providing support as a subcontractor.

The CROO solution integrates BigBear.ai's SpaceCREST digital twin technology, which acts as a real-time monitoring and alerting system for satellite networks' cyber infrastructures. This initiative is designed to strengthen the cyber defense of on-orbit assets for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and U.S. Space Force (USSF) by leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to detect intrusions.

"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," said Ricardo Aguilar, Co-Founder and CEO of Proof Labs Inc. "This work combines Proof Labs' innovation with BigBear.ai's expertise in AI-driven analytics to enhance the cybersecurity of critical space assets. The integration of innovative technologies will support USAF's and USSF's mission to maintain resilient and secure space capabilities."

BigBear.ai will train CROO's AI/ML models using simulations of various cyberattacks, applying established tactics and techniques. The solution will evaluate and classify satellite systems' behavior during normal operations and under cyberattack conditions. The resulting algorithms will enable continuous monitoring, real-time anomaly detection, and live alerting of cyber threats.

"This project represents a significant step forward in safeguarding our nation's space infrastructure," said Robert Wedertz, Senior Vice President, Federal at BigBear.ai. "BigBear.ai's SpaceCREST digital twin capability, further enhanced by custom machine learning and anomaly detection gained through this project, will provide DAF a powerful tool to help combat real-time cyber threats and ensure the resilience of our nation's critical space assets."

The collaboration is expected to advance the cybersecurity posture of USAF and USSF systems, ensuring resilient and secure operations for space-based assets.