Mission assurance is undergoing a fundamental transformation as launch cadence increases and complexity grows. This evolution is not driven by any single innovation. Rather, it is a convergence of technologies—cloud computing, automation, advanced modeling, digital threads and machine learning—that together, are transforming how Aerospace operates across launch programs.
Technological Advancements and Their Impact
“The biggest change in recent years has been moving away from analysts spending significant time on recurring, nominal work,” said Slava Ananyev, principal director of Launch Enterprise Engineering for Aerospace. “We’re increasingly automating the more mundane tasks so engineers can focus on solving the hardest problems—like flight anomalies, shortening integration timelines and injecting innovation earlier in the development of new launch systems.”
Cloud computing, for example, has shortened analysis timelines from weeks to hours. Advanced modeling tools now let engineers evaluate thousands of launch scenarios in the time it once took to analyze only a handful, streamlining decision making without sacrificing safety or quality.
“We can now run massive Monte Carlo simulations in under a day where it might have taken three weeks using traditional in-house resources,” Ananyev said.
This shift enables faster trajectory assessments and closer-to-launch analysis, supporting modern agile providers who often update mission parameters just days before liftoff.
Automation has also reshaped the analyst’s workflow. Engineers have developed machine-readable processes that set up, execute and even document analysis tasks. What once took days of manual review and reporting can now be generated programmatically, freeing experts to focus on high-value problem solving.
“The system reviews outputs, generates reports and flags anything that needs further human inspection,” Ananyev said.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is beginning to play a deeper role as well. While still an emerging toolset in mission assurance, AI/ML has already proven valuable in areas like hardware review and launch support.
Within Aerospace’s STARS Mission Operations Center, the team is leveraging a platform that includes a data visualizer and supports predictive analytics. A new feature allows teams to create models that predict sensor behavior—such as whether a parameter is approaching an unacceptable threshold—and generate automated alerts. Aerospace has also begun using cloud-based tools and is exploring generative AI to streamline document parsing and technical analysis. Engineers can now query systems in natural language to receive information like “show me more about parameter ABC,” or “notify me when this exceeds the limits defined by XYZ,” said Lillian Shido, systems director for STARS.
“We’re really entering an era where a Star Trek-like interface is becoming a reality,” she said. “You used to need to know a programming language or formula syntax. Now, you can simply ask the computer what you need in plain language—and it responds.”
Ananyev said he expects the role of AI/ML to continue to grow in importance as those technologies mature and are integrated into the launch verification processes.
“We are developing tools that can scan thousands of component test reports to flag issues for engineers,” he said. “That will save significant time and reduce the risk of overlooking potential anomalies.”
Enhanced Collaboration and Efficiency
Integrated digital environments are enhancing collaboration by making critical data more accessible and workflows more efficient. Instead of relying solely on in-person meetings or long email threads to exchange critical information, Aerospace and its government partners now work within secure, shared systems that enable real-time task tracking, automated uploads and continuous updates across mission milestones. The result is faster decision making and more seamless coordination, whether teams are working side-by-side or in different locations. These capabilities were embedded for the first time in the newest round of national launch contracts.
“We consulted closely with our government customer on requirements for industry partners to provide continuous digital access to their data in the latest launch contracts. It’s a culmination of years of building toward more open, collaborative environments,” Ananyev said.
Ensuring Mission Success in a New Era
But this new generation of tools are only one part of the shift. Aerospace is also rebalancing how and where its expertise is applied. As new entrants and providers demonstrate growing maturity and reliability, Aerospace is calibrating its depth of effort accordingly, maintaining full visibility into contractor’s processes while focusing its most experienced talent on high-risk areas.
“We’re putting more emphasis on early development and certification work,” Ananyev said. “Fixing issues during design is far more effective than trying to correct them during mission execution. That’s where we can provide the most leverage.”
These advances aren’t just technical. They represent an operational transformation: engrained mission assurance that is seamlessly woven into industry processes, built on trusted relationships and tailored to each provider’s model.
“Our value is in end-to-end insight,” Ananyev explained. “We work across the full spectrum of providers and programs. That lets us offer solutions that aren’t locked into silos and help the whole enterprise move faster, smarter and with confidence. It’s about being an enabler, not a gatekeeper.”
As the pace of launches increases and new providers enter the fold, Aerospace’s evolving role—anchored in innovation, flexibility and deep technical integrity—remains critical to ensuring mission success in an era defined by speed and complexity. By embracing new digital tools and agile methodologies, Aerospace ensures that commercial innovation is met with the high confidence and reliability required for national security launches.