This local professor is using AI to help track the growing threat of ‘space debris’

Collaborative Research: Dr. George Landon, a computer science and cyber operations professor at Cedarville University, is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force Academy to enhance the identification of space debris with ground-based telescopes.
Challenges of AI in Real-World Data: AI methods that work well theoretically often fail in practical applications due to the high complexity and noise of real-world datasets. Landon emphasizes this requires continuous iteration and trial and error.
Education and AI Literacy: Landon is using the results of his research in the classroom to teach students about AI’s capabilities and limitations, aiming to balance excitement with a realistic view of the technology.
Involving Students in Research: Two of Landon’s students, Doxa Kudari and Elijah Lewis, are part of the project, working on developing AI to track rocket bodies in orbit which could aid in debris removal efforts and collision avoidance.
Presentations and Conferences: Landon presented his findings at the 2025 AMOS space surveillance conference to influential organizations such as NASA, Amazon, and SpaceX.
Impact on Space Debris Management: The research aims to improve the tracking and removal of space debris, contributing to safer and clearer space environments.