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BigBear.ai and Proof Labs Collaborate to Develop Cyber Resilient On-Orbit (CROO) Solution for the Department of the Air Force

Insider Brief

  • BigBear.ai, in collaboration with Proof Labs Inc., is developing the Cyber Resilient On-Orbit (CROO) solution for the U.S. Air Force, integrating BigBear.ai’s SpaceCREST digital twin technology to enhance cyber resilience for on-orbit satellite assets through advanced AI/ML intrusion detection.
  • The CROO solution will use simulated cyberattacks to train machine learning algorithms for real-time anomaly and intrusion detection, ensuring continuous monitoring and heightened security of U.S. Space Force satellite networks.
  • Funded by an AFWERX SBIR Direct-to-Phase II contract, this collaboration aims to bolster the cybersecurity of critical space infrastructure, supporting U.S. Air and Space Forces in maintaining resilient and secure space capabilities.

PRESS RELEASE — BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for defense and national security, has announced a collaboration with Proof Labs Inc to deliver an advanced cyber resiliency solution for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Proof Labs Inc, as the prime contractor, was awarded the AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct-to-Phase II contract to develop the Cyber Resilient On-Orbit (CROO) solution, with BigBear.ai supporting as a sub-contractor.

The CROO solution will incorporate BigBear.ai’s SpaceCREST technology, a comprehensive digital twin capability that serves as a real-time monitor and alerting system of a satellite network’s cyber infrastructure. This project aims to enhance the security of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the U.S. Space Force (USSF) on-orbit assets through Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) cyber intrusion detection.

“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 & 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 the CROO’s AI/ML against a wide range of simulated cyberattacks, covering well-established tactics and procedures. The CROO solution will analyze, evaluate, and classify the behavior of USSF satellite systems in normal operation, versus while under the influence of simulated cyberattacks.

BigBear.ai will then integrate these advanced machine learning algorithms for continuous live monitoring and real-time anomaly and intrusion detection. These algorithms will monitor select USSF space assets’ cyber environments to detect and alert USSF of potential threats in real-time.

“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.”

(Mandatory disclaimer) “The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.”

About BigBear.ai

BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for national security, digital identity, and supply chain management. Customers and partners rely on BigBear.ai’s artificial intelligence and predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, BigBear.ai is a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol BBAI. For more information, visit https://bigbear.ai and follow BigBear.ai on LinkedIn: @BigBear.ai, and X: @BigBearai. To receive email communications from BigBear.ai, register here.

About Proof Labs Inc

Proof Labs provides cybersecurity solutions aimed at safeguarding critical military, aerospace, satellite, and national defense assets. Drawing from extensive research and hands-on experience in military communications, real-world national defense, and space projects, we work to mitigate the continuously evolving threat landscape. For more information, visit https://prooflabs.space/

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SOURCE

James Dargan
About the author
James Dargan

James Dargan is a writer and researcher at The AI Insider. His focus is on the AI startup ecosystem and he writes articles on the space that have a tone accessible to the average reader.

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