U.S. Space Force contractors are building an AI-powered tool to detect cyberattacks on satellites by directly monitoring the behavior and telemetry outputs of satellite systems in orbit, executives said this week.

When it comes to warfare in space, many envision lasers, missiles and maybe a nuclear device tucked into orbit. But Christopher Scolese, who runs the National Reconnaissance Office, isn’t worried about death rays. He’s worried about hackers.

An on-orbit IDS is a cybersecurity tool built directly into a satellite to monitor data, commands and behavior in real time.

BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for defense and national security, today announced a collaboration with Proof Labs Inc to deliver an advanced cyber resiliency solution for the Department of the Air Force (DAF).