SBIR

Startups developing space traffic monitoring system to help manage growing debris problem
Startup Scout Space announced Nov. 16 it has won a U.S. Air Force contract to integrate data from satellites and ground sensors that monitor objects in orbit.

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 eyes solar-powered vehicles for operations near the moon
A startup under contract to the U.S. Space Force is investigating the use of solar-powered vehicles for operations in deep space beyond Earth orbit.

Loft Orbital wins Space Force contract for edge computing in space
Loft Orbital announced it won a small business innovation research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Space Force to support the development of an edge computer that can analyze data in space.

Slingshot Aerospace to develop virtual space simulation for military schools
Slingshot received a $1 million Small Business Innovation Research contract and an additional $1 million from ATX Venture Partners

ExoTerra quadruples production capacity to meet government, commercial demand
ExoTerra Resources, a Colorado firm focused on propulsion and in-situ resource utilization, is preparing to quadruple production capacity to meet government and commercial demand.

Air Force eyeing technology to monitor space traffic near the moon
A team of space startups received an Air Force contract to develop a concept to collect and manage lunar intelligence.

Space Micro wins $3 million for laser communications terminal
The U.S. Space and Missile Systems Center awarded satellite component supplier Space Micro a $3 million contract for a laser communications terminal designed to transmit data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second.

Air Force small business program seeks technologies to help counter COVID-19
A space startup is developing a geospatial intelligence-based tool that can help governments identify infected areas.

Slingshot Aerospace gets $3 million from Air Force, private investors for data analytics technology
A $1.5 million Small Business Innovation Research award was matched by $1.5 million from ATX Venture Partners and Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund.

Momentus announces customers for in-space shuttle service
SteamJet Space Systems is the latest customer to sign up for Momentus' Vigoride space transportation service.

Air Force rolls out red carpet, credit card to attract small business
David Shahady, who directs the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, spoke with SpaceNews about Air Force Space Pitch Day and about the Air Force’s SBIR program.