Binghamton - Applying Artificial Intelligence to Manage Cost in Space Operations

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Applying Artificial Intelligence to Manage Cost in Space Operations

The Apollo Program was terminated for one simple reason – the cost of operations was too high. Now that we are in the new Space Age, the primary constraint for the commercial space industry growth continues to be cost.  It is not surprising that the main launch companies are funded through wealthy investors. For the space community to grow and support a broader ecosystem of participating companies, we will need accurate estimation of future cost and continuous cost reduction. Space operations will require diligent management of cost throughout the program lifecycle – from engineering development through launch and recovery. Artificial Intelligence methods provide new opportunities in managing costs. By understanding data through methods like deduction, statistics and machine learning, we can get more accurate predictions of production and operation costs.  We also learn how to make more effective cost decisions during engineering development, production, and flight operations. This lecture reviews use cases for applying AI to manage cost in the space industry and provides cost management practices for the space economy entrepreneurs to enable them to reach for the stars.

Author Bio:

Vince Socci, IEEE AESS UAV/UAS Distinguished Lecturer, Chief Technologist, On Target Motion

IEEE Member Number: 00949404

socci@ieee.org; 

Vince Socci is the CTO of On Target Motion, where he provides engineering, program management and business development services for aerospace, automotive, rail, marine, and other safety-critical applications. Previously, as Product Cost Director at Blue Origin, he managed the product engineering, production, and operation cost of rocket engines. Prior to that, he led National Instruments transportation business development throughout the Americas and provided business and technical support for customers in vehicular applications, with emphasis in propulsion and autonomous systems. With 35 years of experience in aerospace, automotive, rail, power electronics, and medical systems, he has engineered systems in the most complex applications. His specialized areas of interest are embedded controls, real-time test, and systems engineering for vehicle-based applications.

In the early 90’s, Socci patented the first electronics for the Cummins B-series diesel engine, which are still in use today. In the mid-90’s, he developed power controllers for GE locomotives. Late-90’s into 2000’s, he led the development of the HybriDrive HEV powertrain, which was used on various platforms from commercial buses and taxis to military trucks. Through the 2000’s into 2010’s, he led the development of aerospace and automotive vehicle control systems for power, communications, fueling, radar, motor controls, and unmanned systems. He was the Director of Large Transport Fuel Systems for Parker Aerospace, leading the development of the A350XWB aircraft to first flight. Socci then developed advanced validation systems for propulsion and autonomous applications, using simulation/emulation architectures, products, and workflows to solve transportation product development challenges. Currently, he is focused on aerospace innovation including commercial space transportation and UAV development.

He is a Ph.D. candidate and holds a BS in electrical engineering, MS in electrical engineering and MBA in technology management. Socci has served on the Board of Directors and governing boards of several professional societies, including IEEE, SAE, and PMI. He also serves as an expert witness in aerospace, automotive, and medical device litigation.Instructor Photo:

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• Binghamton University
• 85 Murray Hill Rd
• Vestal, New York
• United States 13850
• Building: ITC Engineering and Science Building
• Room Number: ES 2008

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• Starts 04 April 2026 04:00 AM UTC
• Ends 28 April 2026 04:00 AM UTC
• No Admission Charge

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Binghamton University

ITC ES 2008

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