Space Launch Delta 45 Data Derby Hackathon
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of representing Silicon Mountain at the first-ever Data Derby Hackathon hosted by Space Launch Delta 45 at The Forge on Patrick Space Force Base. The event, designed for military personnel, civilians, and contractors, focused on tackling challenges facing the Cape Canaveral Space Port using cutting-edge data visualization and AI/ML tools. The problems we addressed aligned closely with the work we do for our government partners, making it a particularly relevant and rewarding experience.
In addition to the competition, the organizers offered workshops introducing us to Unity, Godot, and Unreal Engine—immersive game engines we explored to visualize data. We also participated in hands-on programming sessions where we learned how to build chatbots using TensorFlow. These sessions were immensely valuable and gave me new skills and perspectives that I’m excited to apply in future projects.
Preparation for the event was light. The main task was ensuring our VM access worked on the military’s secure network, "MARVIN." My personal goals were to engage with other software experts, broaden my understanding of the Space Force’s technical challenges, and share experiences with my peers.
As a bonus, a couple of SpaceX launches were scheduled during the same week, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches were the talk of the base, even though the unpredictable weather kept us guessing.
During the hackathon, I collaborated with members from the Supra Coders program and engineers from contractors like Defense Unicorns and Beast Code. Each team worked on unique challenges. For example, some created a digital twin of Cape Canaveral, others applied neural networks to weather data, and one team developed a GPS-enabled app for tracking transports on the base. My team focused on optimizing launch schedules at Cape Canaveral by simulating transport movements and resolving potential conflicts using a dashboard prototype we built.
Outside the competition, I had the opportunity to present Falcon Analytics, one of our key tools, to senior military leaders in a booth-style exhibit. Over 60 Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels attended, including 3-Star General Guetlein and 2-Star General Purdy, among others. Speaking to them about our work felt like a huge step in advancing the software solutions we provide to the Space Force.
The Forge hosted seven booths, each with a unique theme. Mine focused on mission assurance, while another displayed Ghost Robotics' Q-UGV—the famed "robot dog" designed for security patrols. The demonstration was impressive, and I learned that some versions of this robot even come equipped with sniper rifles—a curious piece of trivia.
Later in the week, I joined colleagues at Launch Complex 39A to watch the VIASAT-3 Falcon Heavy Launch. Unfortunately, the odds weren’t in our favor, with only a 30% chance of the launch proceeding due to stormy weather. After a 20-minute wait in worsening conditions, the launch was scrubbed. As we left, the weather turned from bad to worse—what began as a brewing storm escalated into a full-blown tornado with hail. We had to take shelter on base, navigating high-speed winds and flooded roads. While a harrowing experience for me, my Florida friends took it in stride.
Thankfully, I still got to witness a Falcon 9 rocket launch the next day, viewed from the roof of the 5SLS building. While not as dramatic as a Falcon Heavy launch, it was still a remarkable sight.
The final day of the hackathon culminated in a science fair-style presentation, where each team showcased their solutions. Our team was thrilled to win the Agility Prize for the dashboard we built within Palantir.
More than anything, this event provided me with a deeper understanding of the Space Force's operations and decision-making processes. We dove into predictive algorithms forecasting launch delays due to weather, and even analyzed maintenance data from Cape Canaveral to understand the logistical challenges they face.
This experience opened my eyes to the complexities of the space industry and fueled my curiosity in decision science. I'm especially intrigued by the potential applications of Microsoft's Planetary Computer in helping the Space Force make more informed decisions about climate and weather impacts on launches.
Ultimately, the hackathon was an invaluable learning opportunity. I look forward to applying the insights I’ve gained to solve real-world problems in the space industry and contributing meaningfully to its advancement.