U.S. Space Force Invests $15M in Defense Unicorns for Strategic Space Software Enhancements

U.S. Space Force Invests $15M in Defense Unicorns for Strategic Space Software Enhancements
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 14, 2024

In a significant boost to national security and space capabilities, Defense Unicorns, a pioneering open-source software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provider, has secured a $15 million funding boost from the U.S. Space Force. This Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI), in collaboration with the Program Executive Office Assured Access to Space (AATS), aims to enhance and expand secure software solutions, facilitating an increase in the capacity of Space Launch Deltas. The initiative is geared towards supporting the surging needs of federal and commercial launch operations, marking a critical step in meeting the nation's escalating launch demands.

Jeff McCoy, Co-Founder of Defense Unicorns, emphasized the urgency of evolving the nation's space access strategies to meet these growing demands. "As the launch capacity requirements of our nation surge, it's imperative that we redefine our approach to securing space access," McCoy stated. "It's an honor for Defense Unicorns to play a pivotal role in supporting the Space Force's efforts to revolutionize our space capabilities."

STRATFI aims to empower small businesses with cutting-edge technologies, offering up to $15 million in funding to scale their solutions and deliver strategic advantages to the U.S. Air and Space Force. This initiative underscores the importance of innovative technologies in strengthening national defense and space exploration capabilities.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the collaboration, Major Jason Lowery, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for AATS, pointed to the crucial role of digital transformation in maintaining America's leadership in space access. "The STRATFI investment in Defense Unicorns underlines our commitment to partnering with leading-edge companies that can contribute significantly to our mission objectives," Lowery said. "We're eager to integrate their innovative software and AI solutions to enhance our spaceport operations."

Defense Unicorns introduces its Unicorn Delivery Service (UDS), a comprehensive suite of technologies aimed at overcoming the unique challenges of national security software delivery. This includes delivering AI-driven capabilities for complex data analysis, a portable software development platform for rapid deployment across various environments, and tailored cloud-native applications for mission success. The UDS leverages a collection of open-source tools developed by Defense Unicorns, such as Zarf, LeapfrogAI, Pepr, and Lula, to ensure seamless, secure software delivery in any operational context.

With this strategic partnership, AATS is set to modernize its software and IT infrastructure, addressing the dual challenges of increasing launch demands and enhancing cyber defense. Defense Unicorns' innovative solutions promise to elevate the efficiency and flexibility of space launch operations, ensuring that the Space Force remains agile and prepared for future space exploration and defense missions.