BlackStar
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(TITUSVILLE, Florida) – BlackStar Orbital has been selected by SpaceWERX for a SBIR in the amount of $75,000 focused on studying the tactical applications and economic impacts of its proprietary high performance smallsat class spaceplane platform. This award addresses pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
The Air Force Research Laboratory and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a division within AFWERX, have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating timelines, expanding opportunities to small business, and eliminating bureaucratic overhead. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, and BlackStar Orbital will now create innovative capabilities to strengthen U.S. national defense.
Company Leadership Response
"We are thrilled to receive this SBIR award from SpaceWERX. This funding will allow us to explore the dual-use applications of our SpaceDrone technology, enhancing national security and defense capabilities," stated Chris Jannette, CEO of BlackStar Orbital.
About BlackStar Orbital
BlackStar Orbital Technologies Corporation is redefining satellites through developing reusable high performance satellites which launch like traditional payloads and land like spaceplanes. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology, the company aims to make space more accessible and economically viable.
The flagship product, the BlackStar SpaceDrone, exemplifies commitment to revolutionizing satellite operations by providing a versatile platform capable of multiple missions over extended lifespans. The platform's reusability and advanced features position it as critical to the future of space exploration and commercialization.
Learn more at spacedrone.io.
About SpaceWERX
As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Since August 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.
Visit spacewerx.us for more information.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address pressing challenges. The organization employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 6,028 contracts worth more than $4 billion.
Visit afwerx.com for more information.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force, leading discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies. With a workforce exceeding 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 global operations, AFRL provides diverse science and technology portfolios.
Visit afresearchlab.com for more information.