Sierra Space, a leading commercial space and defense technology company dedicated to “Building a Platform in Space to Benefit Life on Earth®,” has been chosen to participate in the U.S. Space Systems Command’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tools Applications and Processing (TAP) Lab Apollo Accelerator Cohort 4. In this role, Sierra Space will focus on developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats to friendly satellites in orbit. The accelerator program aims to enhance space domain awareness and advance space defense capabilities by fostering collaboration among industry leaders, defense agencies, and technology partners to improve the safety and security of space operations.
As a member of Cohort 4, Sierra Space will work alongside other innovative companies to tackle critical challenges in space defense. During the program, the company will advance AI and ML technologies to ensure that the U.S. remains at the cutting edge of space domain awareness and defense. Sierra Space is committed to the SDA’s mission of protecting the future of space operations and exploration.
Tom Vice, Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Space, emphasized the company’s dedication to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base: “Our involvement in the SDA TAP Lab highlights our efforts to develop and deploy Sierra Space Black OS, a next-generation, scalable, and secure software operating system powered by advanced AI.”
With nearly 30 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering space systems and spacecraft, Sierra Space has a proven track record. The company has designed and launched 23 space vehicles and supported over 400 successful space and interplanetary missions with its subsystems and components. Since 2023, Sierra Space’s national security business has secured $1.3 billion in prime contracts.
As Sierra Space begins its journey with the SDA TAP Lab, the company will showcase its AI and ML advancements and their applications throughout the program. Through continued collaboration and innovation, Sierra Space aims to deliver key technologies that will shape the future of space defense, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the space domain.
Dr. Joe Kopacz, Sierra Space’s Vice President of Software and Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the company’s commitment to pioneering space exploration with advanced AI: “Our Sierra Space Black OS platform is at the forefront of this innovation. It will power both our Dream Chaser spaceplane and advanced national defense systems, providing precision, reliability, and exceptional performance. By enhancing our defense capabilities with robust AI solutions, we are ensuring that the United States remains a leader in space domain awareness and security, safeguarding our assets and interests in the evolving space environment.
