NeuroCert: Adaptive Certification Framework for AI in Space

As autonomous space systems become more complex, ensuring their safety, reliability, and compliance with mission-critical standards remains a major challenge. Traditional software certification methods are slow, labor-intensive, and not well-suited for rapidly evolving AI-driven autonomy. To address this, M&T Consulting proposes NeuroCert: An Adaptive Certification Framework for AI in Space, an AI-assisted certification framework that accelerates the verification and validation (V&V) of autonomous space software. NeuroCert integrates formal verification techniques, machine learning-based anomaly detection, and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to create an adaptive, scalable certification process. The framework will leverage AI to automate test case generation, identify failure modes, and validate system behaviors against safety and performance benchmarks. By combining explainable AI (XAI) with formal methods, NeuroCert ensures that autonomous decision-making processes remain transparent and auditable—critical for regulatory acceptance. Phase I funding will be used to develop a proof-of-concept prototype, validate key certification components in a simulated environment, and establish performance benchmarks for scalability and accuracy. The project will also explore integration pathways with existing NASA verification frameworks to ensure seamless adoption. Target applications include NASA's autonomous spacecraft, robotic explorers, and crew-assistive AI systems, as well as broader adoption in DoD space assets and commercial satellite operations. By modernizing the certification process, NeuroCert will reduce the time and cost of validating autonomous space systems while enhancing mission safety and reliability.

As NASA increasingly integrates autonomy into spacecraft, robotic systems, and mission-critical AI, ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous decision-making is essential. NeuroCert will provide NASA with an adaptive certification framework to streamline the verification and validation (V&V) of AI-driven autonomy, reducing certification timelines while maintaining compliance with rigorous safety and performance standards. NeuroCert can support Lunar Gateway, Artemis missions, and Mars exploration by ensuring that autonomous spacecraft can safely make mission-critical decisions in deep-space environments. The framework’s AI-driven anomaly detection and formal verification capabilities will enhance the certification of autonomous navigation, hazard avoidance, and robotic operations in unstructured, high-risk environments. This capability is particularly critical for long-duration missions, where autonomous systems must operate without direct human oversight and need robust fail-safes to prevent mission failure. Additionally, NASA’s Gateway Autonomous Systems & Avionics & Sensors (GAS&A) and Spacecraft Autonomy & AI (SA&A) initiatives will benefit from NeuroCert’s ability to automate failure mode identification and dynamic system validation. The framework can also assist in the development of autonomous maintenance and fault recovery protocols, ensuring that AI-driven spacecraft can adapt to unexpected challenges without compromising mission success. By integrating with NASA’s existing V&V frameworks, NeuroCert will enable faster certification of autonomous spacecraft software, reducing mission risk, increasing operational confidence, and accelerating the deployment of AI-powered space systems. NeuroCert's adaptive certification framework has broad applications across the aerospace, defense, and commercial AI sectors, where autonomous systems require rigorous verification and validation (V&V) before deployment. As industries increasingly rely on AI-driven autonomy for mission-critical decision-making, autonomous navigation, and safety-critical operations, NeuroCert provides a scalable, AI-enhanced solution for ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory and operational requirements. In the defense sector, NeuroCert can support the certification of autonomous military drones, uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), and AI-assisted decision support systems. By integrating machine learning (ML) verification and real-time anomaly detection, NeuroCert ensures these systems operate safely under dynamic and unpredictable conditions. DoD programs such as the Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2) initiative and autonomous force multipliers will benefit from streamlined certification processes, accelerating AI adoption while maintaining mission assurance. For the commercial aerospace and automotive industries, NeuroCert can assist in validating AI-driven Avionics & Sensors, autonomous air traffic management (ATM) systems, and self-driving vehicle software. The framework will support compliance with FAA DO-178C, ISO 26262 for automotive safety, and emerging AI governance policies. Additionally, in medical AI applications, NeuroCert can enhance the validation of AI-powered diagnostic tools and robotic-assisted surgeries, ensuring regulatory compliance with FDA guidelines. By partnering with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and commercial AI vendors, M&T Consulting aims to commercialize NeuroCert as a trusted AI-certification framework, enabling organizations to deploy safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant AI solutions across multiple domains.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.