Space Force Awards $27M Contract for AI-Powered Orbital Threat Training System

Slingshot Aerospace has secured a $27 million contract to provide AI-driven adversary simulation for U.S. Space Force training, marking a shift from scripted scenarios to adaptive, machine-speed opponents.

The 18-month contract advances the Space Force's Operational Test and Training Infrastructure program by integrating TALOS AI, an autonomous agent that replicates satellite manoeuver tactics and threat behaviours for training exercises.

TALOS uses behaviour cloning to learn and replicate real-world spacecraft tactics, creating unpredictable training opponents that adapt in real time rather than following pre-programmed sequences. The Space Training and Readiness Command has already tested the system to assess its capability to accelerate scenario development and enable larger-scale simulations.

"TALOS allows Space Force Guardians to train against adaptive, AI-driven threats that behave like real adversaries, not pre-programmed scenarios," said Tim Solms, Slingshot Aerospace CEO.

The contract, awarded through a Commercial Solutions Opening, builds on Slingshot's previous Space Force work, including a $25 million STRATFI contract in 2022. The system is designed with open APIs to integrate with other training systems, sensors, and AI capabilities across the Space Force training ecosystem.

Slingshot say it is collaborating with industry partners to ensure interoperability across space modelling and simulation platforms. The company provides AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and orbital simulation to government and commercial customers.