AstronetX Awarded Multi-Year Phase III SBIR Contract from AFRL to Begin Development of Lunar Camera Network
Westport, CT – December 7, 2023 - AstronetX PBC, a Connecticut based in-space commercial data services firm, has been awarded a $3.5M Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop a terrestrial prototype for its multi-purpose cislunar telescope network.
Once operational, AstronetX’s network will be comprised of telescopes distributed throughout cislunar space, providing persistent and pervasive commercial space science, space situational awareness, and space traffic coordination data that will complement and augment data from other sensors.
“There’s an exciting opportunity to incorporate new technologies into deep space multi-purpose imaging systems, including very large format commercial sensors that can simultaneously deliver high resolution and wide field of view, as well as innovative software algorithms for autonomous operations,” said Dr. Jon Morse, AstronetX President and Chief Science Officer. “We look forward to collaborating with other organizations providing cislunar transportation and communications infrastructure as we develop our capabilities.”
AstronetX’s multi-use commercial data services model is designed to meet the requirements of numerous customer segments including government, universities, research institutes, and the private sector.
“Our objective is to provide multi-use commercial data services from cislunar space to support the safety of autonomous and crewed missions, enable frontier space science studies, and respond to emerging markets in order to serve the growing needs of the Department of Defense and other United States government agencies, allied nations, the global science community, and the private sector,” said Robert Lasky, AstronetX Chief Operating Officer. “With AFRL’s continued support, we’re able to begin developing the technology to deliver data for these important applications.”
AstronetX was previously awarded an AFWERX Direct-to-Phase II contract with matching funds from AFRL and USSF Space Systems Command in 2021 to design a lunar-based telescope concept. Under the Phase III SBIR contract, AstronetX will develop and test its telescope technology.
About AstronetX
AstronetX is a Westport, CT based public benefit corporation, established in 2019, to provide multi-purpose, space-based observational and database services to customers spanning government agencies, the space science community, and the private sector to enable frontier research in the Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity.
For more information, visit www.astronetx.com or email press@astronetx.com.
About Air Force Research Laboratory
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.
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