Space Force Weighs Eight AI Projects for Funding
Space Systems Command is considering eight artificial intelligence projects through its Fight Tonight competition, with up to $12 million prioritized.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Space Systems Command said it is considering eight artificial intelligence projects for funding through the Fight Tonight competition, and it will prioritize up to $12 million for multiple traditional and small-business projects. Finalists presented their proposals to senior Space Force leaders on Oct. 7.
Why it matters
The competition focuses on identifying near-term space capabilities that use AI, giving the U.S. military a route to fund and test new tools quickly. SpaceWERX may also support Small Business Innovation Research projects that come through the competition.
Proposals span orbital sentinel systems, targeting and weaponeering for the orbital domain, the ORION program, and an AI agent for launch-range scheduling at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The funding amounts for individual projects were not disclosed.
The players
Space Systems Command
Space Systems Command is the Space Force unit responsible for acquiring and developing space systems for the U.S. military.
SpaceWERX
SpaceWERX is the Space Force's innovation hub that supports small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research program.
The details
AtlasX, a unit of Space Systems Command, organized the fifth annual Fight Tonight competition, which focused on identifying near-term space capabilities using AI. Finalists responded to questions and received feedback on potential partners and other funding sources after presenting their proposals.
Timeline
Oct. 7: Finalists presented proposals to senior Space Force leaders.
Nov. 3: Space Systems Command announced it is considering eight AI projects.
Nov. 13: Winners will be announced at the Air & Space Forces Association's Space Force Ball in Los Angeles.
Under the Hood
The competition may route projects into the Small Business Innovation Research program, extending that federal funding channel to near-term AI space capabilities. It positions small firms alongside traditional contractors for military space technology.
Small businesses with AI space technology may gain a path to federal funding through SpaceWERX and the SBIR program. The competition's winners will determine which near-term capabilities the Space Force pursues next.
The takeaway
Federal competitions like Fight Tonight show how the military can move AI tools from proposal to funding quickly. Watch the November announcement to see which projects advance.
What happens next
Space Systems Command will announce Fight Tonight competition winners at the Space Force Ball on Nov. 13 in Los Angeles.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Artificial Intelligence for the wider context of military AI development.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
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