USSF selects organisations for Space Test Experiments Platform

Terran Orbital, a manufacturer of small satellites, has been selected by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) as one of 12 companies awarded a position on the Space Test Experiments Platform (STEP) 2.0 contract.

This is a 10-year, $237m IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract. Space Systems Command administers it. And the contract also supports a wider Space Test Program (STP) to deploy what will be leading-edge space-based technologies.

Next-gen space

Twelve vendors are receiving awards. They are: Axient, Blue Canyon Technologies, General Atomics, Loft Orbital Federal, Lynk Global, Orbit Systems, Spire Global, Terran Orbital, Turion Space, Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Utah State University Space Dynamics Lab and York Space Systems.

“The DoD Space Test Program will gain measurable value from leveraging industry insights and capabilities to provide proven spacecraft to host the DoD’s next generation of space technologies,” said SSC Director of the DoD Space Test Program, USSF Lt. Col. Brian Shimek.

As part of STEP 2.0, for example, Terran Orbital will compete for task orders to develop modular small satellite buses. These will host a range of experimental payloads. For example, from new sensors to communications and navigation systems.

Space Test Experiments Platform

The aim of this Space Test Experiments Platform is to create technology demonstrations that “will inform future military space architectures”.

“Terran Orbital is proud to be selected for the STEP 2.0 initiative and to continue our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Space Force,” said Peter Kraus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital. “This award underscores our commitment to advancing national security through innovative, flight-proven small satellite solutions.”

See also: Space Force selects universities for In-Space Operations research