US space forces (U.S. Space Force) concluded a contract with the Californian company Muon Space for the sum 44,6 million dollars to demonstrate an orbital satellite system, able to perform environmental and military monitoring at the same time.
The contract was concluded under the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) Phase 3 in Other Transaction Authority format (OTA) — the mechanism, which allows the government to leverage private technology for public use. The project is overseen by the System Delta division 810 Cosmic forces, responsible for space sensory support and targeting.
The contract builds on the company's previous achievements — in December 2024 year Muon received $2,9 million for the development of the Quickbeam multispectral infrared instrument, and in March 2025 successfully launched the first FireSat prototype.
New satellites, created for Cosmic forces, will receive an updated version of the Quickbeam-S payload with an extended spectral range and on-board data processing technology. They will be able to perform atmospheric monitoring tasks at the same time, temperature anomalies and fire detection, providing double (dual-use) application - as for civilians, as well as for defense needs.
The first three FireSats with this system are to be launched in 2026 year. According to the Cosmic Forces, this project is an example of implementation of Commercial Space Strategy, which involves maximizing the speed and innovation of the private sector to improve the effectiveness of defense space programs.
Source: https://spacenews.com