The Company will study the Dual Use Applications of its “Tactically Responsive Space Drone for Enhanced National Security and Defense”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(TITUSVILLE, Florida) – Blackstar Orbital announces it has been selected by SpaceWERX for a SBIR in the amount of $75,000 focused on studying the tactical applications and economic impacts of it’s proprietary high performance smallsat class spaceplane platform. This award will address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within 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 Blackstar Orbital will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America with the award of this Phase I SBIR.
“We are thrilled to receive this SBIR award from SpaceWERX. This funding will allow us to explore the dual-use applications of our SpaceDrone technology, enhancing national security and defense capabilities. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space technology, and this award is a significant step towards realizing our vision,”
Chris Jannette, CEO of Blackstar Orbital.
About Blackstar Orbital
Blackstar Orbital Technologies Corporation is redefining what a satellite can do be redefining what a satellite is through developing reusable high performance satellites which launch like a traditional payload and land like a spacelane. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology, Blackstar Orbital is at the forefront of the new space age. The company's flagship product, the Blackstar SpaceDrone, exemplifies its commitment to revolutionizing satellite operations by providing a versatile platform capable of multiple missions over an extended lifespan.
With a vision to make space more accessible and economically viable, Blackstar Orbital aims to reduce the cost and environmental impact of space missions. The Blackstar SpaceDrone’s reusability, combined with its advanced technological features, positions it as a critical component in the future of space exploration and commercialization.
Learn more at spacedrone.io.
About SpaceWERX
As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in Aug. 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.
For more information, visit spacewerx.us.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 6,028 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.
For more information, visit: afwerx.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.
For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
Company Press Contact:
Phil Hoegel
Media Relations, Blackstar
(Mandatory disclaimer)
“The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.”
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