Guardian Phantom bites off more than she can chew and learns to chew it

  • Published
  • By Air Force Capt. Amelia Leonard
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. --  

Space Force Guardian, 1st Lt. Kealy Murphy, a space vehicle engineer with Space Systems Command, Combat Systems Delta Innovation and Prototyping Directorate, recently began her work in the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator Phantom program. Murphy is helping integrate frontline operational experience with advanced research to accelerate responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the service, reflecting a guiding principle that people are the capability. 

Murphy, who is assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., serves as a flight director and vehicle engineer supporting experimental and prototype space vehicles. In this role, she applies advanced engineering principles to real-time mission challenges, particularly when on-orbit anomalies occur.

“When there is an anomaly, I’m called in as a subject matter expert,” Murphy said. “I diagnose the issue, safeguard mission capability and determine the path forward.”

Her participation in the AI Accelerator strengthens the operational bridge between cutting edge research and real-time implementation at the unit-level. Researchers contribute to the advances in AI and machine learning, while Murphy and her teammates ensure those tools align with the realities of space operations and broader Dept. of War needs. This process of translation from research to operational employment enables innovation to move seamlessly from theory to mission impact.

Murphy graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology with a master’s degree in Astronautical Engineering. Her thesis focused on developing algorithms to ensure passive safety for autonomous space vehicle control. Her academic background in optimal control theory and autonomy directly supports emerging requirements in the space domain.

She emphasizes that AI capability begins with disciplined fundamentals.

“Developing AI technologies is 90 percent cleaning and organizing data,” Murphy said.

For Murphy, effective AI integration depends on people who understand data stewardship, system limitations and operational risk. Building that fluency across the force is one of the Phantom program’s central objectives.

“The most important aspect to me is growing junior DoW personnel who are fluent in the applications, benefits and limitations of AI machine learning technology,” she said. “We can bring that education back to our units and advise leadership on critical decisions.”

Murphy is one of two Phantom Cohort members working on the Automation in Space Domain Awareness project, an effort focused on improving analysis and response in an increasingly congested and contested space environment. As the number of satellites and debris objects increases, AI-assisted analysis offers opportunities to decrease our response time and maintain mission assurance.

“Increasing automation and reducing time-intensive human analysis is one area where AI can help,” Murphy said.

She underscores, however, that speed must remain responsible. Responsible speed, she explained, requires transparency, oversight and a workforce educated in the advantages and constraints of AI technologies. Trust in AI-enabled systems is built through technical rigor, disciplined governance and informed leadership.

Originally from Frederick, Maryland, Murphy joined the military after receiving an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship in high school. What began as a pathway to fund her aerospace engineering degree evolved into a deeper sense of purpose within the Space Force.

“I like being able to work at the cutting edge of innovation and assist in developing new technologies that defend our nation’s space assets,” she said.

Murphy’s life motto, “Bite off more than you can chew and then learn to chew it,” directly correlates to her approach to innovation, engineering, leadership, and the future of our military force.

As a Phantom in the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator program, Murphy represents a broader DoW national strategy and security investment by developing technically fluent leaders who can translate advanced research into trusted operational capabilities, reinforcing the department’s enduring advantage in AI-enabled space operations.