Intelligent use of all data sources can not only help in detecting events as they happen, but can potentially uncover an adversary’s probable intent. The analyst can then apply resource management algorithms that will recommend prioritized courses of action. By autonomously detecting abnormalities, assessing the impact, and recommending a response, the data fusion tool suite will increase an analyst’s situational awareness and response capability in overseeing an increasing number of space assets. Figure 1 illustrates AFRL’s data fusion architecture.

The development team demonstrated three levels of data fusion at the Schriever AFB facility. Level 0 fuses the data from event reports, while level 1 tracks these reported events over a period of time. The algorithms embedded in level 2 assess both the situation and the event relationships to identify the cause of any potential abnormality.

In addition to the integrated suite’s data fusion functionality, the team demonstrated the product’s HSI features. Researchers established the foundation for these human-system interfaces through numerous interviews with subject-matter experts in various areas related to satellite operations, space situational awareness, and defensive counterspace. Their goal was to create a common, work-centered interface rather than multiple, specialized applications.