Rogue Space Systems Corporation has been selected by AFWERX for a Direct-to-Phase II contract — this opportunity focuses on leveraging sensor fusion technology, ensuring safe close-proximity operations in space and addressing paramount challenges within the Department of the Air Force (DAF). 

Rogue has been on the frontline in developing satellite servicing solutions. Their flagship fleet of Orbital Robots (Orbots) is designed to offer diverse services, from inspection to transportation, to satellites and space assets in LEO, MEO and GEO. This orbital fleet benefits from an AI-enabled sensory observation platform. 

Driven by the imperative need for sustainable solutions in the sphere of In-Space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), Rogue is advancing a sensor system that melds active light detection and ranging (LiDAR), superior resolution cameras as well as a proprietary 3D shape reconstruction algorithm. This cutting-edge approach aims to support the United States Space Force in securely accessing essential details about resident space objects. Initially, this technology will be integrated into Rogue’s Orbot platform.

This Phase II contract is the third Rogue Space Systems has been awarded in recent weeks, bringing their USAF and USSF award total to $7.5 million during the past 18 months. Rogue also recently announced the scheduled launch of their inaugural spacecraft Barry-1 on SpaceX Transporter-9 NET November 2023.

“The development of the 3D Resident Object in Space Inspection (3DROSI) technology, under the AFWERX Phase II contract, harmoniously fuses advanced sensors, hardware, and algorithms. It’s pivotal for the sensing and perception required for the autonomous operations of Rogue Orbots, benefiting both the Space Force and commercial satellite tasks such as in-space assembly, docking, transport, and repairs.” — Alexander Kuyper, Principal Investigator

The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now, with these July 2023 Phase II awards, Rogue Space Systems continues to create and provide capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. 

MDA Ltd. (TSX:MDA) has completed the previously announced acquisition of SatixFy Space Systems UK Ltd. (SSS), the digital payload division of SatixFy Communications Ltd. (NYSE AMERICAN: SATX).

The newly acquired division, based in the United Kingdom, will be integrated into MDA UK, the company’s existing UK subsidiary. The acquisition accelerates MDA’s market expansion in the UK and adds strategic in-country capability to produce satellite payloads. In addition, the SSS team will collaborate closely with MDA’s Satellite Systems business in Montreal to advance its new digital satellite product offering, adding complementary digital payload expertise and capacity. 

The acquisition, which marks a significant investment of MDA in the UK market, will support the UK’s objective to maintain its leadership in the growing global satellite market.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome the SSS team into MDA. This acquisition bolsters MDA’s digital satellite capabilities and advances our satellite systems strategy as we continue to invest and expand in next generation satellite technology and talent to meet growing customer demand.” — Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) an agreement with a total potential value of approximately $732 million to design and build 38 data transport satellites — these satellites will support Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha (T2TL-Alpha), the latest iteration of SDA’s LEO Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

• This Alpha announcement follows an August 2023 award to Northrop Grumman of 36 satellites as part of Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta (T2TL-Beta); Alpha and Beta satellites are designed to interoperate on orbit.
• This contract includes supporting ground elements and five years of operations and sustainment with the satellites scheduled to launch starting December 2026.
• Northrop Grumman was also awarded a contract for Tranche 1 Transport Layer 1 (T1TL), which similarly provide low latency, high volume data transport supporting U.S. military missions around the world.
• Northrop Grumman’s approach to the PWSA contracts is to combine our satellite technology and mission experience with strategic commercial partnerships to move at the pace the environment demands.

Northrop Grumman provides space vehicles and ground systems for the SDA’s PWSA, a next-generation constellation in LEO. PWSA has two major lines of effort:

• The Transport Layer: Designed to provide low-latency, high volume data connectivity supporting U.S. military missions around the world.
• The Tracking Layer: Designed to detect, track and ultimately target hypersonic and ballistic missiles.

Both layers are designed to interoperate in space using a common data standard allowing satellites made by various manufacturers to communicate seamlessly with one another. Taken together, these satellites are designed to connect elements of an integrated sensing architecture, and the network they create will deliver persistent, secure connectivity, serving as a critical element for Joint All Domain Command Control.

To date, SDA has announced awards to Northrop Grumman of 132 satellites.

“Northrop Grumman, in partnership with industry teammates, is fully committed to the Space Development Agency’s vision of fielding a next-generation, Low-Earth Orbit architecture connecting and protecting our warfighters wherever they serve. Our Northrop Grumman team is bringing our deep Military SATCOM experience to this mission, and we’re executing on our commitments.” — Blake Bullock, vice president, communication systems, Northrop Grumman.