Space Force Officials Discuss Potential Artificial Intelligence Uses in Improving Capabilities

U.S. Space Force officials have agreed that artificial intelligence will play a significant role in current and future military operations.

In the opening remarks of a recent forum hosted by the Space Command and Space Systems Command, Gen. Michael Guetlein, vice chief of space operations, said that adding AI and machine learning to the United States’ space operations provides a unique advantage over foreign adversaries.

The other officials present at the event tackled other AI-related opportunities, including using it to optimize available data to improve missile warning and tracking capabilities, SpaceForce .mil reported.

To ensure the United States achieves the capability, Guetlin, a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker, called on the government to intensify its investments in emerging technologies, allowing the nation to reap benefits AI and ML extends in pushing boundaries of what could be done in space. 

Despite Guetlin’s call, the Department of Defense has been supporting initiatives exploring potential AI uses in space. In 2023, the Space Command collaborated with the National Reconnaissance Office to help federal agencies adopt AI and ML-powered solutions for satellite data management.

In March, the Pentagon also unveiled a funding opportunity to support small businesses transitioning their defense technologies to production.