Outpost Technologies Corporation (Outpost Space), a leader in reusable space logistics platforms, has secured a $1.8 million contract from the U.S. Space Force under the SPACEWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiative. The award, granted through the ICED-T (Innovative Cargo Exoatmospheric Delivery Technology) topic, supports Outpost's Shielding Technology for Exoatmospheric Experi by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 15, 2025
Outpost Technologies Corporation (Outpost Space), a leader in reusable space logistics platforms, has secured a $1.8 million contract from the U.S. Space Force under the SPACEWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiative. The award, granted through the ICED-T (Innovative Cargo Exoatmospheric Delivery Technology) topic, supports Outpost's Shielding Technology for Exoatmospheric Experiments and Payloads (STEEP) program.
The STEEP initiative aims to advance deployable heat shield systems that safeguard cargo during atmospheric reentry. The project will entail a full-spectrum assessment of thermal protection technologies, culminating in the engineering, simulation, and testing of a scaled prototype.
The work directly supports the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Rocket Cargo Vanguard initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Space Force's Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics division. This program seeks to transform military logistics by enabling rapid point-to-point transport of materiel via space-based systems. Outpost's STEEP program is tailored to address the key reentry thermal management requirements for such missions.
"This award represents a significant milestone that enables us to accelerate the development of advanced thermal protection systems, while strengthening our nation's defense capabilities and technological advancement," said Tyler Gulden, Director of Entry, Descent and Landing at Outpost. "Through this partnership, Outpost is positioned to lead the industry in reusable and high-performance reentry systems, directly aligning with the Air Force's mission to revolutionize rapid global logistics."
Outpost specializes in dual-use technologies that combine commercial manufacturing capabilities with military logistics applications. Its space-return vehicle platforms, including FerryAll and Carryall, are designed to bring back payloads weighing up to 10 tons from orbit.
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