Accelerating Spacecraft Development with AI, Digital Twins, and Simulation
From Aerospace & Defense Technology by SAE Media Group
June 5, 2026 · 14 min · Season 15 · Episode 2
About this episode
The episode discusses how AI and digital simulation tools are transforming spacecraft development.
Digital engineering is reshaping how today’s aerospacesystems are conceived and delivered. During the 2026 Siemens Realize Live conference and exhibition in Detroit, Michigan, the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast interviewed Dr. Tom Stoumbos,simulation and test leader at Northrop Grumman, about the company’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital simulation and testing tools to design, manufacture, and produce new satellites and space technologies. Siemens announced several new solutions at the event thisyear, including its Intelligence Center X platform , among others. On this episode, we examine how AI-enabled simulation,digital twins, and integrated engineering environments help teams reduce analysis time while improving design accuracy. By connecting data and models across the lifecycle, engineers can accelerate design iteration, enable parallel development, and bridge simulation with real-world testing. The result is a more agile, data-driven approach to developing next-generation spacecraft capable of meeting increasingly complex mission demands. Sponsored by Omnetics and New England Wire
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Tom Stoumbos
Topics covered
- AI in aerospace
- digital twins
- simulation
- satellite development
- engineering environments
- agile design
Keywords
- artificial intelligence
- digital engineering
- spacecraft
- simulation tools
- design accuracy
- data-driven approach
Sponsors
Omnetics, New England Wire
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Northrop Grumman, Siemens
Products: Intelligence Center X
Places: Detroit, Michigan
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