1 May the US Space Forces have announced a list with 12 companies, Selected to participate in Space Test Experiments Platform (STEP) 2.0 - a new ten -year -old project worth 237 millions of dollars, aimed at creating small satellites to test the latest military technologies in space.
The initiative is implemented within Space Test Program (STP) Pentagon and administered Space Systems Command unit. In IDIQ format (indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) Selected contractors will be able to compete for individual orders for the creation of satellite platforms - modular spacecraft for placement of experimental equipment.
Who among the performers?
The list included as large defensive corporations, so and highly specialized "novocosmic" companies:
- Lockheed Martin, General Atomics
- Blue Canyon Technologies, Loft Orbital Federal, Spire Global, Terran Orbital, York Space Systems
- Axient, Lynk Global, Orbit Systems, Turion Space
- Space Dynamics Lab (affiliate with Utah University)
The purpose of the Step program 2.0.
- Create a stable commercial supply chain of small satellites for army experiments.
- Improve the ability to test new technologies in space faster and cheaper, knife within the traditional state prosectors.
- Standardize satellite chassis, which can be adapted to different sensors and experiments.
Small satellites within Step 2.0 - It's a microwave -sized apparatus or a small refrigerator, Designed to run along with other useful goods on commercial missiles (RideShare-format).
What is the advantage?
The program has to solve the typical STP problem - delayed launches due to the mismatch of the readiness of experiments and available windows to run. STEP 2.0 Provides a flexible approach: Combining multiple experiments on a single satellite and using private starting services.
in addition, Some experiments within the program will be placed at the International Space Station, that opens access to the microgravation environment for scientific and defensive research.
Source: https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-taps-12-firms-for-237-million-small-satellite-procurement/