# ELS-8994 StarLight

ELS-8994 StarLight is a cloud-based multi-intelligence (Multi-INT) analysis system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary ELTA Systems. Built as an application suite, combining databases, sensors, and networks, Starlight is designed to gather large amounts of data from various sources and transform it into actionable intelligence for defense and national security organizations to provide commanders, warfighters, and intelligence analysts with decision-support tools, by transforming large amounts of unstructured data gathered from various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors into actionable intelligence and insights.

## Background

The system is designed to connect to multiple sensors and systems that generate vast raw intelligence data, process this data and extract critical information for analysts. ELTA has developed several strategic information-gathering and processing systems to address the challenges of information flood. The ELS-8994 StarLight system is the latest generation publicly disclosed. StarLight aims to effectively capitalize on the abundance of multi-domain sensor data and transform it into useful, actionable intelligence.

## Development History

The system’s development was driven by the need to aggregate the increasing volumes of data generated by various sensors while responding to adversaries' actions and evolving tactics to effectively process and analyze information to provide timely and actionable intelligence. Supporting these needs, the StarLight system is designed to enhance situational awareness, support decision-making, and improve mission success rates. Derived from previous generations of intelligence processing and storage systems, such as RICENT, SIGINT, and other systems. Unlike previous systems that focused on specific sensor type, Starlight turns large quantities of unstructured data from diverse sources into actionable intelligence. The system has been operational and proven in combat; it has become operational with at least two customers, one in Asia and the another in the Middle East.

## System Description

Starlight was designed to process large volumes of data from various sources to quickly identify and locate potential targets, events, and points of interest. It is a sensor-agnostic system that constantly receives output from various sources, from space, airborne, naval, or ground-based IMINT sensors, processing them into high-quality IMINT material. This includes classic imagery sensors such as Electro-Optics (E/O), Infra-Red (IR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI). The system is also compatible with various sensors, including SIGINT systems, Wide-Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) systems, Launch Detection Systems (LDS), and more. The system also monitors communication channels, tracks suspect movements, and identifies potential threats in real-time. The system can deal with multiple events simultaneously, automatically directing sensors to investigate events and freeing up intelligence experts to focus on higher-order issues.

## System Architecture

The system's open architecture enables scalability and connectivity to additional data types and sources while maintaining secure access, authentication, and cyber protection. StarLight also offers various smart operational applications based on machine learning and AI, spatial rule engines, and BI tools, as well as effective man-machine collaboration. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques, StarLight performs automated processes with minimal demands on human resources. These applications augment situational understanding, provide mission-critical alerts, and conduct predictive analytics on time-sensitive targets, threats, and events.
StarLight's cloud-based architecture enables agile scalability and simple connectivity to additional data types and sources while maintaining secure access, authentication, and cyber protection. This means that the system can be expanded to handle increasing amounts of data and can be accessed remotely by users, potentially reducing the need for expensive on-site infrastructure. The system's current main structure consists of four parts:
* Input gates
* System's database
* User's interface
* Distribution channels
This structure is constantly monitored by an advanced control system that manages the structure's redundancy to ensure constant, uninterrupted workflow under high operational demands.
Data from various sources is fed into the system through the input gates. The image is then roughly geo-referenced using the sensor's location data. Advanced image processing and automatic change detection algorithms automatically extract suspected targets and areas to be further investigated from the database. The new images are then uploaded into the database containing all of the geospatial intelligence data formatted in the NATO STANAG 4676 standard.
The database enables fast access, archiving, and retrieval of large imagery datasets. The system disseminates the processed data to many interpreters and systems. Data flows constantly between the database and the interpreters' workstations, where manual interactive image analysis occurs.
Data interpretation is accomplished with the support of AI and machine learning, continuously improving efficiency and accuracy. Changes and anomalies are detected and investigated quickly, with automated reports generated and distributed to give decision-makers and stakeholders a cohesive, accurate intelligence picture that facilitates quick action.
StarLight offers a host of operational applications implementing machine learning and AI, spatial rule engines, BI tools, and effective man-machine teaming. This "man-machine teaming" allows for human oversight of the automated analysis conducted by the system, ensuring accuracy and allowing for human expertise to be applied to complex situations.
StarLight includes a suite of modular applications:
| StarField | Provides multi-INT situational awareness. |
| StarFind | Enables data mining and big data analytics. |
| StarHunt | Generates targets and identifies threats. |
| StarEx | Augments GEOINT exploitation. |
| StarTask | Facilitates intelligence task management. |
| StarFleet | Optimizes ISR mission performance. |
| StarSights | Provides automated insights and alerts. |

## Operational History

The StarLight system has been operational and demonstrated to several customers operating with special mission aircraft, and spy satellites. The system also operates with IAI's Heron UAS.