Space: The Digital Frontier

Abstract：Space operations are dependent on digital technologies for every command sent and bit of data received. The United States Space Force intends to embrace this dependency and integrate digital tools across the spectrum of their missions and functions. As a result, the vision, success, and setbacks they encounter can serve as a case study from which other spacefaring organizations can learn. The overlapping focus areas of Digital Workforce, Digital Headquarters, Digital Engineering, and Digital Operations frame the introduction of Space Force initiatives. Digital Workforce encompasses all the enterprises involved in creating professionals with the right attitude and aptitude to successfully employ digital technologies, from basic digital familiarization to advanced training. Digital Headquarters seeks to streamline data-driven decision making at all levels of the organization. Encompassing the infrastructure, data, tools, and processes of the Space Force, Digital Engineering’s objective is to establish an interconnected digital ecosystem for all Guardians. Digital Operations is the culminating point for digital transformation, where robotic process automation and AI/ML algorithms make Guardians more effective and efficient.