U.S. Space Force Capt. Coleen O'Hara, weapons and tactics flight commander of the 6th Space Warning Squadron (6 SWS), poses in the Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) facility at Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, May 9, 2024. 6 SWS, located at Cape Cod Space Force Station in Sagamore, Massachusetts, is a geographically separated unit of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. "Team 6" includes U.S. Space Force Guardians, U.S. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force Airmen and civilian employees. Their mission is "To surveil air and space to detect missile launches and high-interest satellites while operating, maintaining, and protecting New England’s first Space Force installation.” (U.S. Space Force photo by Dave Grim)
Soldier operates computer in a military facility. Photo: Dave Grim/US Space Force

The Catalyst Accelerator has selected six small businesses developing dual-use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions to support US Space Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Funded by the US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, the Catalyst Accelerator provides nontraditional technology companies with access to government resources, mentorship, and business development support. 

The selected companies will join the Accelerator’s 16th cohort, focused on AI/ML orchestration for the US Space Force Delta 7 unit.

The program will explore AI/ML tools that streamline the full intelligence cycle, from data collection to analysis and reporting, including automation, human-in-the-loop workflows, and advanced analytics.

Running from January 12 to April 14, 2026, the program includes two in-person residency weeks per month at Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation in Colorado Springs.

It will conclude with a public Demo Day attended by government, defense, and investor stakeholders.

U.S. Space Force Spc. 4 Caleb Walker, a crew chief with the 6th Space Warning Squadron (6 SWS), poses in the Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) facility at Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, May 9, 2024. 6 SWS, located at Cape Cod Space Force Station in Sagamore, Massachusetts, is a geographically separated unit of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. "Team 6" includes U.S. Space Force Guardians, U.S. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force Airmen and civilian employees. Their mission is "To surveil air and space to detect missile launches and high-interest satellites while operating, maintaining, and protecting New England’s first Space Force installation.” (U.S. Space Force photo by Dave Grim)
Soldier answers telephone in front of computers. Photo: Dave Grim/US Space Force

Advancing AI/ML Technologies

During the program, selected companies will work with government and industry experts, receive guidance from technical advisors, and pursue early customer discovery opportunities.

Among the selected companies, Aegnix LLC, based in Colorado Springs, focuses on developing swarm-style AI platforms for creating and deploying neural network models.

Boise-based Kestrel uses AI to link multiple sensors for intelligence and command operations, backed by a team of former CIA and US Air Force personnel.

Cambridge’s Lunar Station Corp develops geospatial analytics and platforms to support autonomous operations in challenging environments, including space and underwater.

Soresu LLC, in Aurora, builds distributed AI networks that coordinate space, air, and ground sensors to automate incident detection and maintain situational awareness.

Houston’s Tempest Droneworx, integrates data from drones, sensors, cameras, and satellites into real-time visualizations for ISR and rapid-response operations.

The sixth firm selected, veteran-owned Worldscape Technologies from Redmond, develops a dual-use AI platform integrating data, simulations, and AI agents across cloud and disconnected networks.

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