SpaceCoast Hard Tech Hackathon
Hosted at Florida Tech's Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design (https://camid.fit.edu), The Space Coast Hard Tech Hackathon is a two-day event for hardcore hackers interested in building the future of hardware, aerospace, manufacturing and defense. Help make Florida the hub for innovative aerospace and defense startups!
This hackathon will feature founder/VC mentors and a prize pool.
Prizes for Hackathon winners:
1st place: $3,000
2nd place: $2,000
Sponsors:
- Rise8 (https://www.rise8.us/)
- Metronome (https://wearemetronome.com/)
- XTRM (https://www.xtrm.com)
- Florida Tech Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design (https://camid.fit.edu/)
Organizers:
- AstroFirma (https://www.astrofirma.com), founded by Spencer Macdonald, former Pentagon DevSecOps Product Manager
- Association of The United States Army Space Coast Chapter (https://www.ausa.org/chapters/space-coast-chapter)
- Build (https://buildcities.network), founded by Angelo Alessio, US Army vet
- ReachCRE (https://www.reachcommercialre.com/)
- OneSixOne Ventures (https://www.onesixone.ventures/)
- Mach 33 Financial (https://www.33fg.com/)
- Hard Tech Miami (https://www.hardtechmiami.com/)
- Groundswell Startups (https://swellstartups.com/)
- Wooden Whiskers Trading Company (https://woodenwhiskers.org/)
- Karman Line (https://karmanline.world/)
RECOMMENDED PROBLEM STATEMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS (note that hackathon participants can work on whatever they want if it's aerospace, manufacturing, or defense related, these are simply recommendations):
Problem Statement #1: Rapid Launch Site Establishment for Assured Access to Space
Objective: Design a process or software solution to convert open land into a functional launch site within 5 days, ensuring government agencies can quickly establish launch capabilities when needed. Key considerations:
Identification of suitable locations using AI-powered site assessment tools, considering factors like proximity to populated areas, environmental impact, and logistical accessibility.
Development of a modular, prefabricated infrastructure plan that can be implemented rapidly, utilizing 3D printing and autonomous vehicles for construction.
Creation of an AI-assisted project management platform to streamline coordination among stakeholders, automate scheduling, and optimize resource allocation.
Integration of machine learning algorithms to continuously improve the efficiency and safety of the rapid launch site establishment process based on data from previous projects.
Problem Statement #2: Affordable, Secure, and Stealthy Group 1 UAS
Objective: Design and prototype a small group Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) that meets the following criteria:
Cost: The total cost of the UAS should be under $1,000.
Interoperability: The UAS must be interoperable with Department of Defense (DOD) tactical IT systems, such as the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK).
Security: The UAS should be secure from hacking attempts and have robust cybersecurity measures in place.
Signature Management: The UAS must have excellent signature management capabilities, including: a. Low noise signature to minimize auditory detection. b. Minimal visual detection through the use of advanced camouflage or stealth technologies. c. Low electromagnetic field (EMF) signature to reduce the risk of detection by enemy forces.
Problem Statement #3: Predictive Analytics for Proactive Spaceport Security
Objective: Develop a predictive analytics solution that ingests multiple datasets to enhance the security posture of the spaceport by anticipating potential threats and security needs, rather than merely reacting to incidents as they occur. Key considerations:
Ingest and process a variety of datasets from different sources, such as:
Security camera feeds and computer vision analytics
Access control logs and biometric data
Weather and environmental data
Social media and news feeds
Cybersecurity threat intelligence
Analyze the ingested data using advanced machine learning and statistical modeling techniques to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential security threats.
Generate actionable insights and recommendations for proactive security measures, such as:
Optimal allocation of security personnel and resources
Early warning alerts for potential threats or suspicious activities
Identification of vulnerabilities in the spaceport's security infrastructure
Recommendations for security protocol improvements and adaptations
Problem Statement #4: Enhancing Satellite Cybersecurity
Objective: Develop innovative solutions to strengthen satellite cybersecurity, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of satellite systems and data, while addressing unique challenges such as limited resources, intermittent connectivity, and compliance with international regulations. Key considerations:
Design lightweight, energy-efficient cryptographic algorithms and protocols for satellite systems.
Implement secure boot processes and firmware updates to prevent tampering and ensure software integrity.
Create resilient architectures and redundancy mechanisms to maintain functionality and data availability during cyber attacks.
Integrate advanced anomaly detection and intrusion prevention systems for real-time threat response.
Problem Statement #5: Contested Logistics
Objective: Design a comprehensive logistics management system that leverages AI for capacity optimization, utilizes low-cost RFID tracking for auditability, and ensures secure communication between stakeholders. The system should optimize the use of various transportation modes (air, sea, land) based on factors such as route, cargo type, urgency, and cost-effectiveness, while providing end-to-end visibility of cargo throughout the supply chain.
Key features should include:
An AI-powered platform that employs real-time capacity matching algorithms and predictive analytics to efficiently allocate cargo to available transportation platforms, minimize delays, and maximize resource utilization.
A secure, scalable RFID tracking system integrated with a user-friendly inventory management system.
Problem Statement #6: Space Range Common Operating Picture (COP)
Objective: Develop a platform to optimize scheduling and coordination for space launch operations at busy spaceports.
Key Requirements:
Dynamic Scheduling and Communication: Implement a real-time scheduling system with integrated communication tools for seamless coordination with agencies like the FAA, adapting to changes and optimizing launch windows.
Modular Ground Systems with Robust Cybersecurity: Create configurable, scalable ground systems that can quickly adapt to different missions with enhanced cybersecurity measures for safe and secure operations.
Training and Simulation Tools: Develop advanced training programs and simulations using digital twins to prepare personnel for managing complex scheduling tasks under various scenarios.
Schedule:
Day 1 - May 18th:
9am-10:30am: Initial Welcome & Panels
9:00 AM: Welcome and Introduction from Florida Tech CAMID and Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
9:10 AM: "Why Space Coast"
9:20 AM: Panel Discussion - “Space Logistics, onshore and offshore”
9:40 AM: Panel Discussion - "Digital Spaceport of the Future"
10:00 AM: Talk - "SpaceX Operations at Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center"
10:10 AM: “Space Florida Overview”
10:20 AM: "Hackathon Rules and Overview"
10:30 AM: Hackathon Start
9:00 PM: Scheduled Break/Nap Time
Day 2 - May 19th
7:00 AM: Hackathon Resumes
2:00 PM: Judging Begins
Every team has to present. 10 minutes each. Pitch as you would to VCs - the goal is for each team to get real life practice pitching their invention.
4:00 PM: Awards Ceremony