Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space (AATS) office has awarded a $15 million contract to ABL Space Systems to demo responsive launch capability.
The Small Launch and Targets Division at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, part of AATS, awarded the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Strategic Funding Initiative (StratFI) to develop a launch mission design that incorporates planning for numerous satellites to multiple orbits from a variety of locations and conduct a proof-of-concept responsive launch.
“The Space Force is committed to growing Tactically Responsive Space capabilities, including launch, space, and ground segments, to meet the needs of combatant commanders. We are excited to work with ABL to explore robust planning options, complementing the Space Force’s other Tactically Responsive Space efforts. This mission area is evolving quickly, and it’s important we continue to push the bounds of speed, responsiveness, and flexibility.” — Lt. Col. Justin Beltz, Chief of the Small Launch and Targets Division