TLDR:
- SpaceWERX, a venture fund for the U.S. Space Force, has awarded contracts worth up to $1.7 million each to 18 companies, including three startups from the Pacific Northwest.
- The Washington state awardees are Gravitics, Portal Space Systems, and Starfish Space.
Three Pacific Northwest startups have won awards from SpaceWERX, a venture fund for the U.S. Space Force. The Washington state awardees are Gravitics, Portal Space Systems, and Starfish Space. The awards were given through the 2023 SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge. The challenge aims to support new concepts that could enhance the Space Force’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats in space. In total, 18 companies received contracts worth as much as $1.7 million each.
Gravitics, based in Marysville, WA, is developing next-generation space station modules. Through their award, they will have the opportunity to fast-track their concepts into Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contracts. This will provide them with up to $1.7 million over a 15-month period to further develop their technology.
Portal Space Systems, based in Bothell, WA, focuses on in-space mobility and orbital debris removal. Their award will also allow them to enter the Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contracts and receive up to $1.7 million in funding.
Starfish Space, based in Tukwila, WA, aims to develop spacecraft and software for on-orbit satellite servicing. Like the other awardees, they will receive up to $1.7 million in funding to advance their technology.
SpaceWERX received 302 proposals in response to the solicitation for the Tactically Responsive Space Challenge. The winners were selected based on their innovation, potential impact, and ability to support the Space Force’s mission. Through these awards, the Space Force hopes to accelerate the development of capabilities that can respond to adversary action in space on tactical timelines.
The 15 other companies to receive SpaceWERX awards include Agile Space Industries, Apex Technology, Argo Space Corp., Circle Optics, Impulse Space, K2 Space Corp., Map Large, PickNik, SCOUT Inc., Space Rig Systems, Ten One Aerospace, True Anomaly, Turion Space Corp., Varda Space Industries, and Xtenti.
Overall, these awards represent an investment in cutting-edge space technologies and show the Space Force’s commitment to supporting innovative startups in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
