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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
You will have to deal with crime and piracy in space: Marc Feldman
Crime has always followed technology. When advances in shipbuilding created the era of explorers, it also birthed pirates trying to plunder vessels carrying goods of trade. Developments in radio and broadcasting technology in the 20th century resulted in the amplification of misinformation and propaganda, not to mention intellectual property piracy. The internet, which was imagined as an open space beyond the sovereignty of any one nation and its laws, has created a new wave of transnational digital crime. So why should space be any different? That is the spark that started a journey of research and discovery for Marc Feldman and Hugh Taylor , authors of Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit . On the eve of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow reportedly rolled out a cyberattack to blunt satellite communications in Ukraine, disrupting its ability to communicate with troops. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gạch cao su mới không cần lắp đặt cầu kỳ (tìm gạch tại đây) Gạch | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm Ngay What happens when such scenarios to disrupt space-based activity are adopted by criminals? Worse still, what happens if, in the future, the physical outer space becomes a domain for crime? Feldman spoke to Nirmal John on why it is important to prepare for a wave of future crimes up in space. Edited excerpts: It is a unique book. How did you stumble on this subject? I have been involved in space and satellites since the 1980s. I had a couple of private equity funds. One of them was deeply, deeply involved in space. There's a great deal happening in the commercialisation of space but the military is really the big dog, not just in the US but also in China and Russia . This came out of a paper I was working on for the Defense Innovation Unit , which is a consultant arm of the Pentagon . I wanted to do something about piracy and criminality of space. So I sat down and wrote an article. It turned out to be 65 pages. I showed it to Hugh, whom I have been in business with for decades. He suggested we make it a book. Live Events The United States Space Force looks at China and Russia as its main enemies in space. Our thesis is, no, that's not going to be the whole story. You are going to have to deal with not just warfare in space, you will have to deal with crime and piracy in space. So how is that going to happen? We came up with a series of scenarios of that, be it holding space assets to ransom or taking over space stations with rockets. You have used the example of money laundering by drug cartels as the entry point. Why? I have seen what these cartels are up to, how powerful they are, how creative they are and how ruthless they are. Like all major criminal organisations, a major problem they have is laundering money. They have laundered money through several means, including through oil companies in South America . At some point they are going to discover space and they are going to launder their money in space assets. These guys have more money than anybody can ever imagine. They can get the talent because they will pay them. They are in countries that are narco states. They have experience of creatively moving narcotics around the world—through airplanes, submarines, you name it. They understand airports. They understand airplanes. They know how to kill. They have their own intelligence agencies. They have their own transportation, computer networks and marketing. Once they learn the operational aspect of space, they will become a player in space. First, it will be through money laundering. They will create shell companies and they will invest in startups, then they will take it over and use that tech. That's how cartels play. You have also drawn parallels to global trade and the rise of piracy. See, there is no national sovereignty in space as we understand it. That means it is going to be similar to the Wild West . Take mining. There is technology that exists right now to mine in space. They have to be protected because there will be criminal organisations wanting to be in on the action. There is a whole bunch of intelligence agencies out there that would use piracy and crime for plausible deniability. We believe that as technology becomes more sophisticated, these things will happen. There is no legal structure in space, just like on the open seas. A few years back, cocaine worth a billion dollars was found in a ship owned by the largest shipping company in the world. I can be in Los Angeles, and 250 miles out there is an exclusion zone. The federal government, state, sheriffs, whatever, they can't touch them, just like in space. You wrote in the book, 'Space piracy is a future problem that is starting to show itself in small scale hacks.' What are some of the other scenarios of the future? One of the things we speculated about is a spectacular takeover of a launch site, say Cape Canaveral or Elon Musk's spaceport. They can say that if you don't give us an exorbitant amount of money, we will liquidate it. Or, take commercial broadcasting. You got a Super Bowl event coming up. If they have the ability to control satellites, they can say that unless a ransom is shared, they won't release the satellite. Or, take the basic business of these cartels which is in moving drugs. Can they invest in moving drugs through space? They already used submarines to do it. They are not going to have money issues. You could have rockets built to your specifications, just like pirates, who basically went to shipbuilders to build them faster ships and pushed the envelope of shipping technology in the 1700s. Criminals could do that now as well, and could have spaceports in countries where the cartel has influence. What was Jamaica? It was a pirate colony. It is not going to be impossible if you don't have money issues. We have written the book, keeping in mind such historical context. We believe all this could happen on an analogous basis. History doesn't repeat itself, it rhymes. The reason why this could happen is because nobody thinks criminals can do this. What has been the impact of the book till now? The first thing is to realise there is a potential threat out there, and it is not going to go away, just as piracy in the high seas didn't go away. People are just becoming aware of it. The US Space Force does not recognise non-state actors as a threat. The book is having some impact because, for instance, one of the big London-based space insurance companies told us that they are re-examining their policies and may make it mandatory to have privacy and criminal insurance. That is because of the scenarios we built, where a criminal organisation hijacks a launch
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Navy wants AI tools to boost data processing, resource distribution
The Navy is working with the Defense Innovation Unit to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to process the vast quantity of data it receives and make sense of it for commanders. In a May 22 notice, DIU said it is looking for AI and machine learning applications that can speed up data processing times at the Navy's Marine Operations Centers, which take in information gathered by platforms in space, at sea, in the air and through intelligence reports and other means. 'Currently, Maritime Operations Centers (MOCs) must manage and analyze large volumes of multi-source data generated across the fleet to make critical resource allocation decisions for geographically dispersed fleet and national assets,' DIU said. Proposals for the program, dubbed Situational Awareness by Intelligent Learning Systems, or SAILS, are due June 6. Marine Operations Centers serve as logistics hubs for maritime systems — providing everything from engineering to maintenance support. New AI tools could give operators better insights and help commanders determine how to best distribute resources across Navy systems located around the world. The Navy last September released a Navigation Plan that lays out a roadmap to counter threats from China and other adversaries. As part of that plan, the service calls for better integration of autonomy and robotics, including AI and machine learning. 'We are working now on concept and requirements analysis for larger robotic systems, as well as the artificial intelligence applications that help us sense and make sense of a complex, information-centric battlespace,' the plan states, later adding, 'By 2027, we will integrate proven robotic and autonomous systems for routine use by the commanders who will employ them.' Specific applications listed in DIU's solicitation include workflow automation tools that could make it easier to process approvals and standardize data entry, machine learning models that evaluate how a platform is performing and applications that make resourcing recommendations that account for things like geographic constraints and sensor reliability. DIU further notes that proposed applications should be user friendly for MOC operators and modular in design so that they can integrate with a range of current and future Defense Department systems.
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Dragoon Selects Teledyne FLIR OEM Prism Software for Long-Range Unmanned Platform Prototyping
GOLETA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2025-- Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), today announced Dragoon is using the Prism™ Supervisor and Prism SKR software for its AI-driven object detection, tracking, real-time autonomy flight control, and mission planning capabilities within its long-range unmanned platform prototypes under Project Artemis, a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Dragoon is using the Prism Supervisor and Prism SKR software for its artificial intelligence-driven object detection, tracking, real-time autonomy flight control, and mission planning capabilities within its long-range unmanned platform prototypes under Project Artemis, a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative. Project Artemis is a program designed to evaluate and deploy long-range loitering munitions capable of operating in highly contested electromagnetic environments and in large numbers. Dragoon is one of four organizations within Project Artemis tasked to demonstrate low-cost, adaptable, long-range, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms with the potential to maximize operational flexibility. 'The integration of Dragoon's Cinder unmanned aircraft—our low-cost, long-range platform—and Teledyne FLIR's OEM Prism software unlocks new, highly autonomous mission capabilities in complex environments,' said Jason Douglas, co-founder of Dragoon Technology. 'By combining our platform and payload with Teledyne FLIR's autonomy, we offer an ideal solution for the DIU Artemis project.' Prism SKR is a best-in-class automatic target recognition (ATR) software providing a drop-in solution for the FLIR Boson ® thermal camera module that optimally addresses the seeker requirements for the Dragoon UAS platform. It operates efficiently at the edge on low-power embedded processors and is compatible with both infrared (IR) and visible camera data. Prism SKR provides real-time target position, identification, direction of motion, and aim-point localization, guiding the platform's autonomous flight system for various operations. In combination, Prism Supervisor further enhances mission readiness by providing end-to-end autonomy and mission oversight. It seamlessly integrates with Dragoon's onboard autopilot system to support real time decision-making capabilities and an intuitive mission-planning interface. The advanced autonomy in Prism Supervisor closes the loop between the on-board navigation subsystem and real-time AI-based observations to enhance UAS operational capabilities while reducing operator intervention and workload. 'Dragoon selecting Prism software for its Project Artemis work underscores our ability to deliver mission-critical capabilities for national defense,' said Jared Faraudo, vice president of product management and programs, Teledyne FLIR OEM. 'Prism SKR and Supervisor are purpose-built to enable Dragoon's unmanned systems to perform in demanding battlefield environments, ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.' To learn more about Teledyne FLIR OEM, visit: To learn more about Dragoon, visit This effort was sponsored by the U.S. Government under Other Transaction number HQ0845-25-9-0044 between Dragoon Technology and the Government. The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation thereon. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government. About Teledyne FLIR OEM Teledyne FLIR OEM, a Teledyne Technologies company, is a world leader in intelligent sensing solutions for defense and industrial applications, with approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1978, the company creates advanced technologies to help professionals make better, faster decisions that save lives and livelihoods. For more information, please visit or follow @flir. View source version on CONTACT: PR Contact: Keith Metz-Porozni KGMP Strategies [email protected] 971-506-7769 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY HOMELAND SECURITY MILITARY PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT DRONES SOFTWARE HARDWARE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DEFENSE SOURCE: Teledyne FLIR OEM Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/20/2025 09:31 AM/DISC: 05/20/2025 09:31 AM
National Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
SES Space & Defense to Provide Hybrid Space-Based Architecture to U.S. Department of Defense
Article content Article content RESTON, Va. — SES Space & Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, joins the Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU) Hybrid Space Architecture Network initiative. SES's Hybrid Space Architecture II project will showcase an automatically orchestrated secure integrated multi-orbit network that interconnects commercial and government networks to deliver assured and affordable, low-latency, multi-path communications across a scalable and resilient multi-domain network. Article content SES Space & Defense will deliver an engineered multi-orbit network leveraging Secure Integrated Multi-Orbit Networking (SIMON™). This will enable always-on connectivity as an affordable, resilient alternative to traditional Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE) and auto-PACE operations currently used by warfighters across the Department of Defense (DoD) worldwide. By blending LEO, MEO, and GEO capabilities in a purposeful manner, SIMON™ ensures that the warfighters' data can affordably traverse multiple orbital regimes simultaneously, adapting and adjusting in real time to changing mission requirements. Article content 'With SIMON™, warfighters will have the ability to 'set and forget' their user terminals and affordably realize assured connectivity across multiple orbits,' says David Fields, President and CEO of SES Space & Defense. 'This transformational approach solves a decades-long dichotomy of affordability versus resilience, providing SATCOM agility, flexibility, and reliability for the forward deployed personnel.' Article content SES Space & Defense is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES and is exclusively focused on building, managing, and supporting the most advanced satellite network solutions for the U.S. Government. SES Space & Defense uses a proven multi-operator network integration and management capability, a broad global terrestrial network, as well as access to SES's multi-orbit satellite fleet. It also offers U.S. Department of Defense customers the essential tools in cybersecurity for mission-critical operations, coupled with a proven track record in governance and compliance. SES Space & Defense operates under a proxy board, enabling it to support classified projects, and it has participated in the U.S. Government satcom sector for nearly five decades. Further information can be found at: Article content SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high performance services. By using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SES Space & Defense to Provide Hybrid Space-Based Architecture to U.S. Department of Defense
Secure integrated multi-orbit network (SIMON™) delivered by SES Space & Defense will support rapid, uninterrupted data transmission RESTON, Va., May 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SES Space & Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, joins the Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU) Hybrid Space Architecture Network initiative. SES's Hybrid Space Architecture II project will showcase an automatically orchestrated secure integrated multi-orbit network that interconnects commercial and government networks to deliver assured and affordable, low-latency, multi-path communications across a scalable and resilient multi-domain network. SES Space & Defense will deliver an engineered multi-orbit network leveraging Secure Integrated Multi-Orbit Networking (SIMON™). This will enable always-on connectivity as an affordable, resilient alternative to traditional Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE) and auto-PACE operations currently used by warfighters across the Department of Defense (DoD) worldwide. By blending LEO, MEO, and GEO capabilities in a purposeful manner, SIMON™ ensures that the warfighters' data can affordably traverse multiple orbital regimes simultaneously, adapting and adjusting in real time to changing mission requirements. "With SIMON™, warfighters will have the ability to 'set and forget' their user terminals and affordably realize assured connectivity across multiple orbits," says David Fields, President and CEO of SES Space & Defense. "This transformational approach solves a decades-long dichotomy of affordability versus resilience, providing SATCOM agility, flexibility, and reliability for the forward deployed personnel." Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram Read our Blogs > Visit the Media Gallery > About SES Space & Defense SES Space & Defense is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES and is exclusively focused on building, managing, and supporting the most advanced satellite network solutions for the U.S. Government. SES Space & Defense uses a proven multi-operator network integration and management capability, a broad global terrestrial network, as well as access to SES's multi-orbit satellite fleet. It also offers U.S. Department of Defense customers the essential tools in cybersecurity for mission-critical operations, coupled with a proven track record in governance and compliance. SES Space & Defense operates under a proxy board, enabling it to support classified projects, and it has participated in the U.S. Government satcom sector for nearly five decades. Further information can be found at: About SES SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high performance services. By using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: View source version on Contacts For further information, please contact: Melanie DelannoySES Space & DefenseVice President, Marketing & CommunicationsTel. +1 571 443
