AFWERX
How sherpas guide startups through government contracting terrain
U.S. defense and intelligence agencies are eager to tap into commercial innovation, and many startup founders are eager to win government funding. The problem is the two groups often have trouble communicating.
Slingshot wins $25 million Space Force contract to develop digital twin of the space environment
Slingshot Aerospace won a $25.2 million Space Force contract to develop a virtual replica of the space environment
Orbit Fab gets $12 million to integrate refueling port with military satellites
Orbit Fab, a venture-funded startup offering a refueling service in space, announced it has won a $12 million deal to ensure its fueling interface works with U.S. military satellites.
AFWERX to fund development of laser terminal that connects military aircraft with satellites
Space Micro, a defense and NASA contractor recently acquired by Voyager Space, won a contract to design a laser communications terminal to connect military aircraft with geostationary satellites in orbit.
Debris removal a key goal in Space Force’s ‘Orbital Prime’ project
SpaceWERX plans to select at least one team to conduct an on-orbit demonstration of active debris removal within the next two years
Space Force launches ‘Orbital Prime’ program to spur market for on-orbit services
The U.S. Space Force is kicking off a new initiative, called Orbital Prime, to fund commercial technologies for in-space operations
Space Force wants to learn how venture capitalists assess startups
An agreement just announced between the U.S. Space Force and a venture capital firm is a pilot project intended to help government buyers understand how investors assess space industry startups.
Orbion wins contract to demonstrate high-thrust propulsion
Orbion Space Technology announced a U.S. Air Force contract to develop and demonstrate high-thrust propulsion to help small satellites quickly dodge satellites or space debris.
Space Force awards $32 million in contracts to startups and small businesses
At a virtual pitch event Aug. 19, the U.S. Space Force selected 19 companies that each will receive $1.7 million Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 contracts.
Space Force to kick off new program to attract small businesses and startups
The U.S. Space Force is launching a new industry outreach program expected to award up to $50 million in contracts to small businesses and startups.
A little love from the Air Force can put a space business on the map
The Pentagon’s renewed focus on space and the standup of the U.S. Space Force are boosting demand for technologies being developed by commercial companies. The Air Force technology accelerator known as AFWERX is responding by creating new opportunities for space entrepreneurs.
Xage Security prepares U.S. Space Force cyber strategy
Xage Security, a Silicon Valley cybersecurity startup, announced a contract Sept. 17 to develop a data protection strategy for the U.S. Space Force.
