Redwire Wins DARPA Contract for VLEO Satellite with Novel Propulsion

Redwire has announced its has been selected as the prime mission integrator for a DARPA satellite equipped with an innovative propulsion system designed for very low Earth orbit (VLEO).

The satellite, known as SabreSat, will utilize “air-breathing” electric propulsion systems under development through DARPA's Otter program. This system aims to enable sustained operations at altitudes ranging from 90 to 250 kilometers, a region where traditional satellites struggle due to significant atmospheric drag.

SabreSat is engineered for government intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Its propulsion system is designed to intake atmospheric particles and use them as propellant, allowing it to maintain its orbit without carrying large amounts of fuel.

“We are taking an innovative approach to developing a new breed of spacecraft that bridge the gap between air and space...DARPA Otter is the first major win for our SabreSat VLEO platform” - Spence Wise, Redwire's Senior Vice President for Missions and Platforms

While the exact value of the multi-year DARPA Otter contract was not disclosed, it includes funding for the complete lifecycle of the satellite, from design to on-orbit operations.

VLEO

Very low Earth orbit is attracting growing interest from national security organizations due to its potential benefits, including high-resolution Earth imagery and low-latency communications. However, maintaining satellites in VLEO necessitates frequent thruster firings to counteract atmospheric drag, which is significantly higher at these altitudes than in traditional low Earth orbit (LEO).

“This award demonstrates that there is real interest in VLEO...We see VLEO as a crucial domain for the future of defense and intelligence operations, as well as Earth science and communications.” - Spence Wise, Redwire's Senior Vice President for Missions and Platforms

DARPA's Otter program is focused on developing and demonstrating the "air-breathing" electric propulsion technologies needed to keep satellites operational in VLEO for extended periods. These technologies are essential for overcoming the challenges posed by the denser atmosphere at these lower altitudes.

Propulsion Contracts

In addition to Redwire’s involvement, other companies are also contributing to the development of VLEO propulsion technologies under the DARPA Otter program.

In March, Electric Propulsion Laboratory Inc. (EPL) of Colorado announced a DARPA Otter contract worth up to $6.7 million for the development of its Air Breathing ELectric (ABEL) engines.

Similarly, California-based Phase Four secured a $14.9 million contract in April to develop an “air-breathing” electric propulsion system capable of supporting satellite operations at altitudes between 90 and 450 kilometers.

As the prime contractor, Redwire will be responsible for building the SabreSat bus and integrating all mission-related technologies. Redwire has tailored its Digitally Engineered Mission Systems & Integration (DEMSI) platform specifically to support VLEO programs. DEMSI leverages high-fidelity physics and space weather observations to accurately model atmospheric drag and the material degradation caused by atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere.

International Efforts

Beyond the DARPA Otter project, Redwire is also advancing VLEO technology through its European office. They are developing the Phantom platform for the European Space Agency’s Skimsat mission, further solidifying their international presence and expertise in this emerging domain.

Redwire’s advancements in VLEO technology position it at the forefront of a new era in satellite operations, with the potential to significantly enhance capabilities in national security, Earth observation, and beyond.