WASHINGTON — Cognitive Space will work with the Space Development Agency to optimize missile tracking and mesh-network routing under recent awards with a combined value of about $5 million.
On March 5, the Houston startup focused on applying artificial intelligence to satellite operations, announced a direct to phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research contract to enhance automated sensor management for missile-tracking satellites. Cognitive Space will apply artificial-intelligence algorithms to help the SDA quickly identify sensors in the best position to hone in on missiles that pose a threat.
“We are proud to bring our AI-driven capabilities to SDA and contribute to its mission of keeping us safe through the effective use of these critical space assets,” Guy de Carufel, Cognitive Space founder and CEO, said in a statement.
Under an Other Transaction Authority agreement announced Feb. 26, Cognitive Space is preparing to apply automated mesh network management to the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Battle Management Command, Control and Communication (BMC3) ecosystem.
Cognitive Space seeks “to improve the resilience and adaptability of space networks, ensuring continuous operation” despite disruption caused by, for example, traffic surges or loss of one node in a network, according to the news release.
Cognitive Interface Tasking
For the BMC3 program, Cognitive Space will rely on its AI-based mission planning platform called CNTIENT.
“Leveraging AI to make effective use of space at scale is crucial for the future of space operations,” de Carufel said in a statement. “Our collaboration with the SDA allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that the PWSA is resilient and effective.”
For de Carufel, the BMC3 award is particularly satisfying because it will “validate our technology for the market at large,” de Carufel told SpaceNews at the Satellite 2025 conference.
