Accelerating Spacecraft Development with AI, Digital Twins, and Simulation

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