WASHINGTON — The National Reconnaissance Office selected three commercial space companies for its technology program that seeks innovations in space logistics and in-space mobility.
The NRO, which builds and operates the nation’s spy satellites, announced Oct. 30 it has signed agreements with Cognitive Space, Impulse Space and Starfish Space under a program called Broad Agency Announcements for Agile Launch Innovation and Strategic Technology Advancement.
The program’s key areas of focus include:
- In-space mobility to enable access to non-traditional orbits and maneuvering between orbits
- On-orbit logistics such as refueling, docking interfaces and de-orbiting
- Techniques to accelerate space missions
- Artificial intelligence for ground operations
The three agreements are study contracts to assess the companies’ capabilities.
“This BAA helps NRO advance emerging technologies across launch, on-orbit support, and command and control,” said Col. Eric Zarybnisky, director of the NRO’s office of space launch.
- Cognitive Space, based in Houston, Texas, specializes in AI solutions for satellite operations. The company develops AI-driven software that automates mission management
- Impulse Space, based in Redondo Beach, California, develops vehicles for in-space transportation services. The company aims to facilitate the movement of payloads between different orbits.
- Starfish Space, based in Kent, Washington, develops spacecraft intended for satellite servicing and logistics.
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