Slingshot wins $69.2 million Space Force deal for AI-powered orbital warfare training

Slingshot Aerospace has secured a $69.2 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build artificial intelligence-driven training environments for satellite defense missions, SpaceNews reported. The award underscores the military's push to incorporate advanced simulation tools into orbital warfare preparation.

The 4½-year agreement is a SBIR Phase 3 contract, according to independentspacenews.com. It supports the Space Force's Operational Test and Training Infrastructure and leverages Slingshot's TALOS AI agent to model spacecraft behaviors and simulate adversary actions in orbit. SpaceNews noted that the training will focus on satellite defense scenarios.

independentspacenews.comSpace Force awards Slingshot $69 million for AI-enabled training technology

This contract is part of a broader military effort to modernize space-based readiness through software and machine learning, shifting away from live exercises that are costly and limited in scope. Slingshot's TALOS system is designed to generate realistic, adaptive threats for operators to practice against.

Neither outlet included direct quotes from officials or company representatives. The deal was first reported by SpaceNews, with independentspacenews.com republishing the story.