WASHINGTON — The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office has selected three commercial space companies for a technology program aimed at revolutionizing space logistics and in-space mobility.
The NRO, which builds and operates U.S. spy satellites, announced on October 30 that it will be launching Cognitive Space, Impulse Space, Starfish announced that they have signed a contract with Space.
The main focus areas of this program are:
- Intraspace mobility that allows access to non-traditional orbits and travel between orbits
- On-orbit logistics including refueling, docking interfaces, and deorbiting
- Technology to accelerate space missions
- Artificial intelligence for ground operations
The three agreements are research contracts to assess the company’s capabilities.
“This BAA will help NRO advance emerging technologies across launch, on-orbit support, and command and control,” said Col. Eric Zalivniski, NRO’s Space Launch Office Director.
- Cognitive Space, based in Houston, Texas, specializes in AI solutions for satellite operations. The company develops AI-driven software to automate mission management
- Impulse Space, based in Redondo Beach, California, develops vehicles for space transportation services. The company aims to facilitate the movement of payloads between different orbits.
- Starfish Space, based in Kent, Washington, develops spacecraft for satellite servicing and logistics purposes.
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