Unmanned Systems

AI in the Defense Industry: Defense Firm Anduril Partners with OpenAI for National Security and Uncrewed Systems

zqureshi — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:10:43 +0000

AI in the Defense Industry: Defense Firm Anduril Partners with OpenAI for National Security and Uncrewed Systems zqureshi January 30, 2025

In a move that underscores the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) firms and the defense sector, Anduril Industries and OpenAI recently announced a strategic partnership to enhance national security capabilities. The collaboration aims to integrate advanced AI solutions into counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (CUAS), enabling the U.S. to better detect, assess, and neutralize aerial threats in real time. This partnership not only strengthens the nation鈥檚 defense capabilities but also signals a broader industry shift. AI companies are increasingly engaging with defense applications, while defense firms are adopting cutting-edge AI technologies to address complex security challenges.

The Anduril and OpenAI Defense Collaboration

Anduril is known for leveraging AI, autonomous systems, and sensor integration to tackle modern security threats. OpenAI, known for developing groundbreaking AI models such as GPT-4, brings expertise in creating intelligent systems capable of processing and responding to vast amounts of data. Together, these companies aim to redefine how CUAS are operated by introducing real-time AI-powered decision-making. According to Anduril, they will 鈥?lt;a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/12/openai-and-anduril-team-up-to-build-ai-powered-drone-defense-systems/">explore how leading-edge AI models can be leveraged to rapidly synthesize time-sensitive data, reduce the burden on human operators, and improve situational awareness.鈥?lt;/span>

Uncrewed aircraft pose significant challenges for national security due to their versatility, accessibility, and potential for misuse. Malicious actors can employ them for surveillance, smuggling, or direct attacks, making rapid detection and response critical. As was seen with the recent news about drones sighted over military bases, with more than 5,000 unknown and uncrewed aircraft spotted along the East Coast in December of 2024, the need for better management of our airspace is critical. The Anduril-OpenAI partnership seeks to empower CUAS capabilities with advanced AI, enabling systems to process sensor data, identify threats, and execute countermeasures with unprecedented speed and accuracy to combat rogue aircraft situations.

This industry collaboration also highlights a larger trend within the defense sector to embrace AI. Historically, defense technology has relied on incremental advancements in established systems, but the rise of autonomous and intelligent systems is driving defense firms to recognize the potential of AI to address modern defense challenges. Additionally, under the current administration, the U.S. is positioning to establish a $500 billion AI infrastructure investment to address AI benefits and concerns across all industries, with an action plan to be in place by July 2025.

The Ethical Role of AI in Defense

OpenAI鈥檚 involvement in this partnership highlights a significant shift for AI companies as well. Historically, many AI firms have hesitated to engage in defense-related projects due to ethical concerns and reputational risks. However, 鈥?lt;a href="https://www.wired.com/story/openai-anduril-defense/">with AI increasingly viewed in government circles as a transformative and geopolitically significant technology, many tech companies seem more open to military work.鈥?And as national security threats evolve, there is growing recognition that ethical and responsible AI development can contribute greatly to maintaining the safety and stability of many systems.

By collaborating with Anduril, OpenAI exemplifies how AI companies can work within the defense sector while adhering to ethical guidelines. OpenAI鈥檚 mission to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity aligns with the need to responsibly develop and deploy AI technologies for critical applications, including defense. This partnership sets a precedent for AI firms to engage in projects that prioritize ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability, while also driving broader innovation and market expansion. Defense projects often involve complex challenges that push the boundaries of AI capabilities, and the defense sector recognizes the need to 鈥渁dvance the data, analytics and AI ecosystem鈥?through research, collaboration, education, and technology and personnel investment.

From a market perspective, this innovative partnership highlights the potential for AI firms to access new revenue streams by collaborating with government and defense organizations. According to finance studies, 鈥渢he global market for transport and logistics supported by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is expected to grow from USD 11 billion in 2022 to USD 29 billion by 2027.鈥?As the defense sector increasingly prioritizes AI-driven solutions, it opens the door for broader adoption of AI across critical domains.

Exploring Ethical AI Education and Training for the Defense Industry

The convergence of AI and defense raises important ethical considerations. Ensuring that AI systems are used responsibly, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like CUAS, requires clear oversight, transparency, and adherence to international norms. Industry must prioritize building systems that align with ethical standards and work to enhance, not scale back, human oversight. The need for qualified, well-educated professionals within this rapidly evolving field is critical. At Capitol Technology University, our AI degree programs focus on the research, collaboration, and ethical considerations behind using AI to secure a better and more sustainable technological future. Through our innovative curriculum, AI Center of Excellence, and AI Learning and Innovation Environment platform, Capitol Tech empowers future AI developers, policymakers, and users to make informed decisions that align with societal values and advancement.

Explore the many opportunities of AI education today. Contact our Admissions team or request more information.

Categories: Unmanned Systems

Advanced Air Mobility: Increasing Diversity in the Aviation Workforce

zqureshi — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 21:18:18 +0000

Advanced Air Mobility: Increasing Diversity in the Aviation Workforce zqureshi November 8, 2024

The aviation industry has long grappled with a lack of gender and racial diversity among commercial airline pilots. Worldwide today, less than 5 percent of commercial pilots are women, and in the United States, more than 91 percent of pilots and flight engineers are from non-ethnic backgrounds. In an initiative to shift this status quo, the emergence of Advanced Air Mobility such as air taxis, eVTOLs, and other small, non-traditional aircraft gives rise to new opportunities to bring much-needed diversity to this field.

What is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)?

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to the next generation of air transportation. Traditional commercial aviation primarily focuses on large aircraft with single or multiple engines flying between major airports. AAM encompasses a broader range of vehicles, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drones, and other urban air mobility solutions. These vehicles promise a transportation system evolution by providing efficient, point-to-point travel for both people and goods within cities and suburban areas.

Challenges to Aviation Workforce Diversity

Historically, the aviation industry has struggled for diversity within its workforce. This challenge is exacerbated by the growing demand to fill open pilot positions since the COVID-19 era and recent difficulties faced by major airlines. Initiatives aimed at increasing diversity have faced a variety of challenges as well. Notably, this misperception of pilots has the potential to discourage new applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. Breaking these stereotypes is crucial to attracting a more diverse pool of candidates, as representation encourages and inspires a new generation of aircraft professionals.

Additionally, part of the lack of diversity has been brought on by the significant financial investment required to become a pilot. Training costs, flight hours, and licensing fees can be prohibitive for many aspiring pilots, especially those from marginalized communities or struggling due to socio-economic reasons.

How AAM Can Improve Diversity

AAM could be a game-changer for pilot diversity. According to the CAE, 鈥渘ew training technologies and methodologies will shift the training paradigm towards affordability and scalability while keeping safety paramount for the unique challenges of Advanced Air Mobility.鈥?With more localized operations and diverse applications such as air taxis and medical transport, pilots can pursue careers that keep them close to home, avoiding time-zone changes and nights away from their families.

Additionally, with AAM availability, pilots won't be limited to major airlines and their highly competitive positions. The emergence of new startup companies and regional operators is increasing the need for AAM pilots, creating opportunities for a broader range of applicants, especially in 2025 when planned launches of this new aviation system are expected to begin.

Similarly, AAM is likely to introduce a new perspective on aviation. As these aircraft become commonplace, the image of a pilot could shift from current stereotypes to a more inclusive and modern representation that reaches more diverse demographics.

Benefits of a Diverse Aviation Workforce

A diverse workforce brings varied perspectives that lead to innovative solutions. AAM's rapid and complex development requires adaptability, creative thinking, efficiency, and safety considerations, making diversity essential in this area of aviation, as different viewpoints can drive industrial impact and widen the scope of the industry. Advanced Air Mobility presents an opportunity to transform aviation's demographics and create new pathways for pilots and flight engineers from all backgrounds to be successful in the space. Embracing diversity can not only address historical disparities but also advance a more innovative and safer future for aviation.

Aviation Programs at Capitol Tech

Capitol Technology University has developed an innovative platform for aspiring pilots to achieve their career goals. With our Bachelor of Science in Aviation Professional Pilot program, students gain not only the certification and flight training needed to become a pilot 鈥?they also obtain their bachelor鈥檚 degree 鈥?which is a unique benefit of our program and puts graduates at a great advantage in the job marketplace.

Help transform the future of the aviation industry today by joining Capitol Tech!

For more information, contact our Admissions team or request more information.

Categories: Aviation, Unmanned Systems

Women in the Space Industry

zqureshi — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:01:22 +0000

Women in the Space Industry zqureshi July 20, 2020

According to Aviation Week, women make up 24% of the aerospace and defense industry, as opposed to 47% across all industries. Though in the minority, women have made great strides in recent years with their contributions to the space industry.

During the SATELLITE 2019 conference, eight women who are leaders in the aerospace industry provided insight in empowering women and shared hurdles they have overcome, reported Marisa Torrieri.

One of the speakers, Rebecca Cowen-Hirsch, is Senior Vice President (SVP) of government policy and strategy at Inmarsat Government. Inmarsat produces mobile satellite communication services and managed network services and have been working with the federal government since 1979.

Cowen-Hirsh has been in the aerospace industry for over 25 years and is a rated experimental flight test engineer and became the first female civilian Mission Commander for the Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) mission.

During the conference, Cowen-Hirsch shared, 鈥淲hen I started in college, in electrical engineering, women made up 3 percent.鈥?She went so far as to leave her first name off of her resume when applying to jobs. 鈥淧eople were surprised when I went for interviews and a woman walked in.鈥?lt;/span>

Inmarsat Government also has a woman as the president and CEO. Susan P. Miller holds a master鈥檚 degree in Electrical Engineering and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Electrical Engineering. Miller has led initiatives in satellite communications in both the commercial and government sector for over 20 years.

Ball Aerospace also has several women in leadership positions. Ball provides both spacecraft and payload development, including small to large highly customizable satellites.

Debra Facktor, former Ball Aerospace Strategic Operations Vice President and General Manager shared during the conference that she had a difficult time in the early 90s interacting with Russian scientists because of her gender. It wasn鈥檛 until she demonstrated her engineering prowess that they began to listen.

鈥淲hen you know math and science, whether you鈥檙e young or old or a woman or not, you have another language to speak to bridge the barriers,鈥?shared Facktor. Facktor, with both master鈥檚 and bachelor鈥檚 in aerospace engineering, left Ball in March 2020 to become head of U.S. Space Systems for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

Ball Aerospace also recently selected Diedre M. Walsh to serve as vice president of Washington Operations, focusing on government relation strategies to position Ball as a trusted mission partner.

Even the SATELLITE conference has seen the rising impact of women in the space industry.

鈥淎s Via Satellite Executive Editor Jeffrey Hill noted, in 2009 fewer than a dozen women spoke at the SATELLITE Show,鈥?shared Torrieri. 鈥淭oday, in 2019, it鈥檚 hard to find a session without at least one female speaker, moderator, or industry thought-leader present.鈥?lt;/span>

Want to learn more about astronautical engineering? Capitol Tech offers a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Astronautical Engineering and master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in Aviation. Undergraduate students pursuing astronautical engineering have an opportunity to learn more about satellite technology in courses such as Satellite Communications. This course provides an analysis of satellite communications systems including communications subsystems, telemetry, tracking and monitoring, data handling, satellite link design, propagation effects, modulation techniques and performance and error control.

Contact admissions@captechu.eduto learn more.

Categories: Astronautical Engineering, Unmanned Systems, Aviation

Advanced technology to remove space debris from orbit

zqureshi — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 20:04:13 +0000

Advanced technology to remove space debris from orbit zqureshi June 1, 2020

According to NASA, there are more than 500,000 pieces of debris orbiting the earth. This debris is made up of spacecrafts that are no longer functional, abandoned launch vehicle stages, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris.

鈥淭here are more than 20,000 pieces of debris larger than a softball orbiting the Earth,鈥?says NASA. 鈥淭hey travel at speeds up to 17,500 mph, fast enough for a relatively small piece of orbital debris to damage a satellite or a spacecraft. There are 500,000 pieces of debris the size of a marble or larger. There are many millions of pieces of debris that are so small they can鈥檛 be tracked.鈥?lt;/span>

A number of government organizations and public companies are working on projects to help reduce the very real risk of space debris damaging still-functioning equipment.

ClearSpace-1

Commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA), ClearSpace-1 is a satellite that will find and remove non-functional satellites that are orbiting the Earth. The satellite鈥檚 first job will be to target a payload adapter called VESPA. ClearSpace-1 will use sensors to determine the location of VESPA and will launch a 鈥渃haser鈥?to attach to VESPA. Once the chaser is attached via four robotic arms, a controlled re-entry into Earth鈥檚 atmosphere begins. The goal of re-entry is to burn up not only the target, in this case VESPA, but also the 鈥渃haser鈥? ESA鈥檚 goal is to have ClearSpace-1 launch in 2025.

Vestigo Aerospace

Taking a different approach to debris removal, Vestigo Aerospace has created dragsails that 鈥済reatly increases the frontal area of the system so that aerodynamic drag accelerates orbital decay.鈥?The dragsails can be used on both functioning and non-functioning satellites as well as launch vehicle stages. The sail operates by attaching to the debris and deploying either at the end of a mission. The dragsails remove the need for propulsion-based reentry systems. Vestigo Aerospace is currently working on a six-month study of the dragsails.

Airbus Harpoon

During a successful test in 2019, a harpoon attached to the International Space Station pierced a piece of space debris and returned it to the spacecraft. Developed by Airbus, the harpoon is the size of a pen and is made from titanium. A ground control team in the United Kingdom sent both the harpoon and spacecraft a series of commands, which were run autonomously by the spacecraft. Once the harpoon pierced the debris, a 鈥渁 spring-loaded mechanism deployed an array of barbs to secure the harpoon firmly in place,鈥?reports space.com. Airbus is continuing to work on developing the technology.

Want to learn more about astronautical engineering or autonomous systems? Capitol Tech offers bachelor鈥檚 degrees in both Astronautical Engineering and Unmanned and Autonomous Systems. Contact admissions@captechu.eduto learn more.

Categories: Astronautical Engineering, Unmanned Systems

How to control a satellite with your mobile phone? Capitol students prove it is possible

Anonymous — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:07:30 +0000

How to control a satellite with your mobile phone? Capitol students prove it is possible Anonymous (not verified) April 11, 2018

On any given day, each of us will put our smart phone to a myriad of uses. We may use it to shop. Communicate with colleagues, friends, and family. Check the weather ahead of a plane trip. Monitor stocks. Track our daily exercise routine. Check out the latest track from our favorite artist.

How about using your mobile phone to command and control a satellite in orbit high above the earth?

Not only is it possible in theory, but a group of Capitol students has devised a practical way to put it into practice. The students鈥?endeavor 鈥?dubbed Project Hermes 鈥?has attracted attention from space scientists and engineers, along with coverage in media outlets such asThe Baltimore Sun.

鈥淚 thought it was very clever and inventive on their part,鈥?The Sun quoted David Kusinerkiewicz, chief engineer at John Hopkins University鈥檚 Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), as saying. 鈥淚 can picture somebody sitting in a Starbucks on their smartphone talking to their satellite and getting data back. It鈥檚 a pretty cool concept.鈥?lt;/p>

And the concept has been tested. In 2015, Project Hermes enjoyed its first successful space flight aboard a NASA rocket. Team members waited expectantly 鈥?then exulted as letters appeared on their cell phones, sent by the payload high overhead. The concept was tested again, with successful results, at NASA鈥檚 RockSat-X program in the summer of 2017.

Now another momentous milestone awaits: going into orbit. Integrated into a combined Capitol satellite project known as Cactus-1, Hermes was selected for NASA鈥檚 CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI), with lift-off expected in the coming months.

Real-time interaction using mobile devices has the potential to transform satellite operations, says Capitol professor Risabh Maharaja, whose idea 鈥?presented during his Introduction to Space class 鈥?was the genesis of Hermes, with students then developing a way to put it into practice.

Currently, he notes, operations are limited by a satellite鈥檚 footprint; commands can only be given, or telemetry received, when a 鈥渂ird鈥?is within view either of a ground station or relay satellite. The Hermes approach, which utilizes the Iridium constellation of interlinked communications satellites, changes all that. Mission control 鈥渃ould maintain communication using commercial satellites with ordinary internet TCP/IP, with potentially higher bandwidth and quicker response times than conventional methods," Maharaja explains.

Hermes is only one example of the hands-on engineering projects that Capitol students become involved with from their first year at the university. The school鈥檚 educational approach stresses immersion in practical projects from year one 鈥?a philosophy that distinguishes Capitol from many other colleges and universities, where students do not gain such exposure until their junior or senior years.

Other student-led projects at Capitol include TRAPSat, which is exploring a method of capturing space debris using Aerogel, and Project Aether, which is investigating auroral effects on the atmosphere while also testing new insulation system and comparing data rates from multiple sources.

Gaining such practical experience is a major asset for aspiring space systems engineers as they prepare for a career in the industry, students say.

鈥淓verything that we鈥檙e doing here benefits the students and is helping us look better when we go out into the job market,鈥?says Hermes flight software specialist Christopher Murray. 鈥淣ot many people in a job interview can honestly say that they have participated in designing a payload that went up into space.鈥?lt;/p>

Dream of a career working with rockets, satellites, and space? With a Capitol degree, the dream is within reach. Find out more about our unique program in astronautical engineering, or contact admissions@captechu.edu

Categories: Unmanned Systems