WASHINGTON — Today, Slingshot Aerospace announced that it is creating a digital replica space environment for the U.S. Space Force under a new $25 Million contract. This contract is aimed at quickly delivering wargaming and training capabilities.
The Digital Space Twin, a simulation of the space environment and maps of orbit objects and weather, is a product from Slingshot. Slingshot has been working on the tool for two years. Slingshot stated in a Thursday press release that it will adapt the contract for Space Force missions to improve their ability to respond to current and future threats. Before it delivers the government product, the company plans to release the commercial version.
The digital twin can be used to analyze data, aid in mission planning and wargaming, and even help design future constellations. This is one of the Space Force’s top priorities as it develops its cloud-based Digital Engineering Ecosystem, which allows industry to collaborate with the service and conduct program reviews.
The company will also deliver its Slingshot Laboratory simulation platform to the Space Force. It can be used to teach the basics of advanced aerodynamics. Slingshot will create four pilot programs to support Basic Military Training as well the National Security Space Institute and the 319th Combat Training Squadron.
Melanie Stricklan (CEO), stated that Space Force’s combined delivery of the digital twin and the laboratory product makes it an extraordinary product suite.
Space Systems Command funded the contract. SpaceWERX also funded it through its Strategic Financing Program (STRATFI). This program was designed to bridge the gap between technology development and fielding. SpaceWERX issues contracts through STRATFI every year for technologies that could address critical mission requirements.
Courtney Albon, C4ISRNET’s emerging technology and space reporter, is Courtney Albon. She has previously covered the U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force to Inside Defense.
