$4.5M Goes to Two Non-traditional Organizations in SSC CubeSat Effort

June 24, 2024 – Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded the Emergent CubeSat Technology (ECT) project to BANC3, Inc and Parabilis Space Technologies, Inc. These two Non-traditional performers will lead the effort with support from three sub-contractors: Intel Federal LLC, Princeton Satellite Systems, Inc, and Quantic X-Microwave. ECT was awarded through the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA), sponsored by SSC and managed by National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL).

Current CubeSat capabilities in the U.S. need maturation. The Emergent CubeSat Technology project aims to develop a prototype that provides more capability than existing CubeSat technologies. The overall goal is to enhance small satellite capabilities as we miniaturize satellites to meet the Space Service Acquisition Executive’s vision.

“The Emergent CubeSat Technology effort is going to be crucial for space defense. Our satellites need to get smaller and more mature, and that’s exactly what Space Systems Command is setting out to achieve with the help of these two Non-traditional organizations,” said Mike Malinowski, SpEC Director.

BANC3 and Parabilis Space have been awarded $4.5 million to lead the effort to mature a prototype capability to a Department of Defense (DoD) Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher. Afterward, they will test and verify performance and define the specification and operation benefits. The expected period of performance is 18 months.

This effort for U.S. space defense proved significant—13 of the proposals were basketed for future consideration. As the DoD’s needs evolve, these proposals may be considered for future awards. Additionally, 43 organizations opted to team up on this effort, demonstrating a wide range of capabilities and high levels of interest in CubeSat technology development within the United States.

About SpEC

The Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) was created in 2017 to bridge the cultural gap between military buyers and commercial space startups and small businesses through Other Transaction Authorities (OTA). The OTA innovative contracting process allows SpEC to solicit bids from a mix of member companies including companies that have not previously done work with the Department of Defense. SSC recently awarded management of the SpEC OTA to NSTXL to expedite the contracting between government and industry. NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields.