Space Enterprise Consortium

Orion Space wins U.S. Space Force contract for on-orbit services experiment
Orion Space Solutions announced Aug. 16 it was selected by the U.S. Space Force to develop three small satellites for a demonstration of on-orbit services in geostationary Earth orbit.

Space Force looking at what it will take to refuel satellites in orbit
The U.S. Space Force in 2025 plans to launch to geostationary orbit three small satellites that will attempt to dock with a propellant tanker so they can be refueled in space.

Space Force to use navigation data from LEO constellations to detect electronic interference
Under a $2 million contract from the U.S. Space Force, Slingshot Aerospace will develop an analytics tool that uses location data from commercial satellites in low Earth orbit to identify potential sources of electronic interference on the ground.

Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, SpaceX, ULA win Space Force contracts for rocket technology projects
Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance were selected to participate in Space Force development projects to advance rocket engine testing and launch vehicle upper stages.

Space Force looking to build new radar sites to track objects in high orbits
The U.S. Space Force next month will solicit industry bids for deep-space radar sensors that can track satellite in high orbits above 22,000 miles.

Space Force seeks bids for rocket engine testing and space transportation technologies
The U.S. Space Force on May 11 issued requests for proposals for next-generation rocket engine testing, launch vehicle upper stage enhancements, and capabilities to maneuver in space.

After further review, Space Force confirms selection of NSTXL to manage industry consortium
National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) on Jan. 15 received a contract to manage the U.S. Space Force’s Space Enterprise Consortium for the next 10 years.

NSTXL’s contract to manage Space Force technology projects on hold pending review
The selection of NSTXL to manage the Space Enterprise Consortium is being reexamined following revelations that a Texas court ruled the company acted fraudulently in a dispute with a business partner.

Space Force trying to change negative perceptions about military procurement
The U.S. military wants to shake its reputation as an unfriendly customer to space startups and commercial tech companies, said Lt. Gen. John Thompson.

NSTXL selected to manage the Space Enterprise Consortium
NSTXL, a company that helps commercial businesses compete for government contracts, has been selected to manage the U.S. Space Force’s Space Enterprise Consortium for the next 10 years.

SpaceX to explore ways to provide weather data to U.S. military
SpaceX won a $2 million contract from the SpEC consortium to study ways to provide weather data to the U.S. Space Force.

General Atomics to design Space Force weather satellite prototype
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems announced an agreement Aug. 4 to design a prototype for the U.S. Space Force Electro-Optical Infrared Weather System.

Millennium Space delivers smallsat for upcoming U.S. Space Force rideshare mission
Called Tetra-1, the microsatellite was the first project awarded in 2018 by the Space Enterprise Consortium.

Palantir to provide data and software services to U.S. Space Force
The contract is for a project called Kobayashi Maru, an effort to replace decades-old space command-and-control systems with modern software apps.

Space industry consortium concerned about financial health of small businesses
The Space Enterprise Consortium could consider increasing opportunities for small businesses.

Bids sought for $12 billion Space Enterprise Consortium contract
The consortium manager will oversee up to $12 billion worth of space projects over the next decade.

SMC wants to take “smart risks” with nontraditional partners
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) will expand its effort to draw on the innovation of companies that have not traditionally worked with the government.

Air Force space consortium funding could grow to $12 billion over the next decade
Col. Tim Sejba: “We’re contemplating a 10-year $12 billion competition."

Air Force seeks new candidates to manage the Space Enterprise Consortium
The consortium manages the development of pre-production prototypes of space systems, including satellites, payloads and ground systems.

Air Force rapid prototyping effort achieving SpEC-tacular speeds
SpEC is an Air Force initiative focused on rapid prototyping of spacecraft, sensors, propulsion systems, ground stations and other space-related technology and services. Since early 2017, SpEC has awarded 37 prototype projects with a total value of $206 million.