Utah space lab gains R&D work on space-based sensors
The Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) has been awarded two major military R&D contracts.
Under a $1.01 billion sole-source IDIQ contract from the Space Vehicles Directorate in the US Air Force Research Laboratory, SDL will conduct R&D under the Space & Nuclear Advanced Prototypes, Experiments & Technology (SNAPET) programme.
Work will be completed by 30 November 2026 and includes ‘the research and development of essential engineering support and capability in the areas of sensor and system development, modelling and simulation, experimentation, data analysis and sensor and system validations on space vehicles’, the DoD announced on 10 November.
‘There is congressional interest pertaining to this acquisition,’ the DoD added.
The other sole-source IDIQ contract, also announced on 10 November and worth up to $300 million, was issued by the Missile Defense Agency.
SDL will perform R&D and engineering for ‘state of-the-art and proof-of-concept space-based sensor systems, and advanced technology research and development’, the DoD noted.
The ordering period is from 23 November 2021 until 22 November 2028.
‘At least one task order will be issued shortly after award,’ the DoD added.
SDL is a wholly-owned non-profit subsidiary of Utah State University,
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer
The huge amount of open source data available may not carry the weight of secret sources but it does carry substantial value, according to speakers at Defence IQ C4ISR Global conference in London.
-
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.