Terran Orbital Corporation has been selected by the US Space Force to participate in the Space Test Platform program (STEP) 2.0, 10-annual contract with unlimited supply/unlimited quantity (IDIQ) worth up to 237 millions of dollars. Initiative, managed by the Space Systems Command, supports the Department of Defense's efforts to accelerate the deployment and testing of advanced space technologies.
According to the STEP contract 2.0, Terran Orbital will compete for orders to design and supply modular small satellite platforms. These compact spacecraft, the size of a microwave oven or a small refrigerator, experimental payloads will be placed, such as advanced sensors, navigation devices and communication systems. They are intended to be used as flexible platforms to demonstrate next-generation space capabilities.
STEP program 2.0 structured as follows, to streamline the development cycle from concept to launch, which facilitates and accelerates the conduct of space experiments of the US Department of Defense. The program uses the achievements of the commercial industry and increases efficiency, integrating multiple payloads onto standard satellite platforms, which are then launched using frequent commercial services. Terran Orbital's strengths in scale production, rapid system integration and flexible mission support uniquely position the company to achieve STEP goals 2.0 and advancing the space modernization of the US military.
Next to Terran Orbital, contract participants include Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Blue Canyon Technologies, Loft Orbital, Spire Global, York Space Systems and other new space innovators.