The Space Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office is working with the Hyperspace Challenge accelerator to identify companies with mature space technology of potential use to the Space Force and the rest of the Defense Department.
The partnership is a first for the six-year-old business accelerator, which had previously focused on helping innovative startups win U.S. government contracts in the growing space domain.
This program’s goal is to create products that will increase visibility in space to decrease the risk posed by space objects, improve space vehicle autonomy, reduce ground operator workload and enhance the longevity and maneuverability for space-based vehicles.
The program–a partnership between the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Force RCO, the economic development arm of Central New Mexico Community College and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology–culminates with an in-person event to be held Nov. 1-3, 2023, at Q-Station in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“Hyperspace is always looking for ways to grow,” Lauren Hunt, AFRL deputy program manager for the Space Force Accelerators Program, said in a statement. “Our goal is to really deepen connections and relationships among different communities. Every year we try to bring together a diverse group of communities who have different perspectives and concepts, so we can seek out the most innovative ideas. We look at viewpoints we haven’t considered before.”
According to Matt Fetrow, Space Force RCO communication director, the program specifically seeks companies and organizations that have “mature products and services or technologies” in Space Force RCO’s interest areas. These areas include improving space awareness and visibility, increasing vehicle autonomy and space analysis as well as increasing their lifespan and maneuverability.
The article Space Force seeks mature technologies in the ‘Hyperspace challenge’ program first appeared on DefenseOne .
