Space Data Releases "AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR" to Support Air Operation Command

Space Data, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kohei Sato; hereinafter "Space Data") announced on July 3, 2026, the launch of its AI platform "AMATERASU" for the operational domain of its space AI platform "SpaceBrain." AMATERASU aims to achieve "superiority in commander's decision-making" for superior situational judgment. In conjunction with this launch, Space Data has released its first product, the air operation simulation function "AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR."

"AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR" accurately simulates the entire process of air operations, from the launch of operational aircraft to various air operations at target locations and return to base, under diverse conditions, within a digital twin space that reproduces all of Japan in high definition, based on operational plan scenarios. This supports the formulation of optimal plans and actual operations. The currently released version is a demonstration version using information such as aircraft performance based on publicly available information, flight paths, and visibility data, with plans to sequentially add more features.

Background: Balancing "Speed" and "Correctness" in Decision-Making Amidst Complex Modern Warfare

In today's security environment, multiple domains including land, sea, air, space, cyber, electromagnetic, and cognitive warfare (operations to influence public opinion and perception) are intricately intertwined. The amount of information commanders must handle in real-time is exceeding human cognitive limits. While the "speed" of information processing and situational judgment using AI is becoming indispensable, for Japan, which adheres to the principle of self-defense, pursuing efficiency and speed alone is insufficient.

Commanders' decisions require "correctness" that minimizes impact on civilians and can be explained ex-post facto in terms of legal and ethical validity. Therefore, Space Data is developing its systems with the fundamental principle of "Human-in-the-Loop (HITL)," where AI provides overwhelming processing speed, but the final engagement decision is always made by a human.

The "AMATERASU" Concept and its First Product, "AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR"

"AMATERASU" is an AI platform aiming to achieve "superiority in commander's decision-making" within the operational domain of SpaceBrain. Its design philosophy starts not with simple integration or automation of existing data, but with accurate digital reproduction of physical space, multiple physical simulations, parallel thinking of multiple AIs, and HITL where humans make the final judgment.

As its first product, "AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR" focuses on air operations, faithfully simulating the entire flow of operations, including aircraft flight paths, execution of operational actions, and return to base, within a digital space. By providing high-definition 3D visualization, it is designed to allow commanders to intuitively grasp various situations requiring judgment visually, not just through text and data. In the future, it will be incrementally expanded to support operational plan formulation and mission rehearsals.

Key Features of AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR

*This demonstration is configured using a 3D Earth from Cesium World Terrain / Imagery, Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles, etc., along with publicly available aircraft specifications and assumed scenarios.

1. 3D Reproduction of Air Operations on a Digital Twin of All of Japan

Within a high-definition digital twin space integrating satellite and geographic data, aircraft flight paths and operational actions are three-dimensionally reproduced, reflecting constraints of position, altitude, and terrain.

2. Realistic Flight and Maneuvering of Fighter Jets and Unmanned Aircraft Based on Public Specifications

Fighter jets such as the F-35 and unmanned aircraft (drones) can be individually flown and maneuvered within the scope of their publicly available performance, allowing for accurate understanding of their flight and maneuvering in real space.

3. Realistic Visualization Considering Multiple Viewpoints, Instrument Displays, and Weather Effects

Multiple viewpoints such as overhead, rear, and rear-tracking are displayed simultaneously, and the pilot's perspective from the cockpit can be confirmed along with instrument displays of speed, altitude, etc. It also supports switching weather conditions (clear, cloudy, rain, storm, night, fog), formation changes, and adjustment of playback speed.

4. Self-Defense and Safety Design Based on Human Final Judgment

The simulation results and the presentation of judgment materials to the commander are designed with the premise of HITL, where the final decision is always made by a human, in line with the concept of self-defense.

Towards Decision-Making That "Minimizes Damage"

In similar systems in other countries, there is a push to極限 shortenthe kill chain (the process from detection to attack) using AI. These are primarily based on the concept of "expeditionary forces" operating outside their own country. In contrast, this simulator and AMATERASU align with self-defense principles, emphasizing the foresight of the consequences of actions. For example, it aims to predict secondary effects such as where debris from interception might fall or how actions in a certain area might impact civilian infrastructure, and to present legally and ethically justifiable Courses of Action (COA) with supporting rationale.

Future Outlook

Starting with "AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR," Space Data will continue to expand its functions towards realizing "superiority in commander's decision-making" by AMATERASU. By visualizing and simulating multiple domains spanning land, sea, air, space, and cyber using digital twins and AI, it will evolve from supporting operational plan formulation and mission rehearsals to supporting decision-making in actual operations, building a foundation that supports Japan's peace and security while strictly adhering to law and ethics.

About Space Data, Inc.

Space Data, Inc. is a technology startup that creates new industries and social infrastructure by fusing space and digital technology, with the aspiration of "creating a society where anyone can utilize space."

Utilizing digital twin technology that precisely reproduces the Earth and space environment, we aim to build digital platforms that support the future, from urban development and disaster prevention to security. Furthermore, we are working towards the realization of a space society through the development of operational infrastructure for space robots and space stations.

Space Data's official website introduces our latest initiatives and announcements in the "NEWS" section.

For details, please visit https://spacedata.jp/news

Company Name: Space Data, Inc.

Representative: Kohei Sato

Location: 15F, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Capital: 1.513 billion yen

Business Activities: Investment and research related to space development

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