El Segundo, Calif. (AFRL) – SpaceWERX announced the launch of its latest I2A cohort, focused on two specific topics: advancing Alternative Positioning, Navigation and Timing, or AltPNT solutions and pioneering the Digital Spaceport of the Future. These initiatives underscore SpaceWERX's commitment to accelerating technological innovations in aerospace operations.
"We are thrilled to launch this innovative cohort focusing on AltPNT and the Digital Spaceport of the Future," said Arthur Grijalva, director of SpaceWERX. "This initiative marks a significant step towards transforming space operations through advanced technology, fostering collaboration among industry leaders, startups and government entities."
The I2A program, in partnership with New Mexico Technologies University and powered by Disruptive Technology Index, or DTI, was developed to address the ecosystem gap for companies that enter the SpaceWERX Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs by supporting cohort companies directly through the lifecycle of their Direct to Phase II, or D2P2, contracts with the primary focus of creating support activities that enable commercialization success.
Awarded companies begin with a AFWERX Challenge Definition Workshop, work closely with key space stakeholders, roll into a SpaceWERX specific topic D2P2 solicitation, and are automatically enrolled in the I2A program. The latest cohort kicked off in early July 2024, with a showcase during which awarded companies presented their technologies.
The AltPNT challenge, in partnership with Space Systems Command, aims to enhance the resilience and accuracy of satellite-based navigation systems beyond traditional Global Navigation Satellite systems. With 122 total proposals submitted, 20 proposals were selected for funding, with a total contract value of $34.8 million. The 20 selected companies in this cohort are invited to propose innovative approaches that ensure reliable and secure positioning services in challenging environments, to align with the evolving needs of defense and commercial sectors. The following companies have been selected for participation:
AOSense, Inc.Applied Systems Engineering Incorporated (ASEI) Devorto CorporationInfinity Systems Engineering LLCInnovative Scientific Solutions, Inc.Mesa Quantum Systems Inc, NAVSYS Corporation nou Systems, IncPolaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.Slingshot Aerospace, IncStarNav LLCTeraSenseThomas YoumansTrident Sensing LLCTRL11 IncTrustPoint, Inc.Xairos Systems IncXona Space Systems Inc.
