Redwire Awarded DARPA Prime Contract for SabreSat Spacecraft Very Low-Earth Orbit Demonstration
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) has been awarded a DARPA prime contract to develop an air-breathing satellite leveraging its SabreSat VLEO platform. The satellite will demonstrate novel electric propulsion systems in very low-Earth orbit (VLEO) under DARPA's Otter program. VLEO spacecraft benefit national security missions by operating in relatively clear orbits and deorbiting debris quickly. Redwire will build the SabreSat bus and utilize its digital engineering tools, including the DEMSI platform. Additionally, Redwire's European office is working on the Phantom platform for the European Space Agency’s Skimsat program. Redwire aims to enhance VLEO technology for various applications like ISR, resilient communications, and Earth science payloads.
- Redwire awarded DARPA prime contract for SabreSat VLEO spacecraft.
- SabreSat VLEO platform to demonstrate novel electric propulsion systems.
- VLEO spacecraft beneficial for national security missions due to clear orbits.
- Redwire responsible for building SabreSat bus and integrating mission systems.
- Use of proprietary digital engineering tools for mission planning and execution.
- Redwire's SabreSat designed for high-res ISR, resilient communications, and Earth science.
- Redwire's Phantom platform to enhance VLEO capabilities for European Space Agency’s Skimsat program.
- No specific financial data disclosed on the DARPA contract value.
- Potentially high costs associated with developing and integrating new technologies.
- Risk of project delays or technical challenges in advancing VLEO technology.
Insights
Redwire's contract with DARPA to develop a *very low-Earth orbit (VLEO)* satellite is a significant development in the space technology sector. VLEO, situated at altitudes lower than traditional *low-Earth orbit (LEO)*, offers unique advantages such as reduced orbital congestion and faster deorbiting times for debris, which tackles a growing concern in satellite operations.
Redwire's contribution here goes beyond merely executing the contract; they are utilizing their proprietary *SabreSat* platform, which indicates a high level of trust in their existing technology. The integration of novel electric propulsion systems in VLEO is noteworthy as it suggests advancements in efficiency and sustainability for satellites operating in this challenging environment.
For retail investors, understanding the distinction between VLEO and other orbits is crucial. VLEO satellites can perform more precise monitoring and surveillance due to their proximity to Earth, enhancing applications in *national security, communications and Earth sciences*. The utilization of *Redwire's Digitally Engineered Mission Systems & Integration (DEMSI) platform* further highlights their innovative approach by leveraging high-fidelity physics models for mission planning.
From a long-term perspective, this contract positions Redwire as a key player in the emerging VLEO market, potentially capturing significant market share if VLEO becomes a standard for various satellite applications. In the short-term, investors should watch for developments and subsequent contracts that may stem from this initial DARPA project, indicating broader adoption of VLEO technology.
Rating: 1
Financially, Redwire's win of DARPA's prime contract can be viewed as a strong endorsement of their capabilities and technology. This contract could have a positive impact on Redwire's revenue streams. Although the exact financial terms of the contract are not disclosed, securing a project of this magnitude with a prestigious organization like DARPA usually hints at substantial financial inflows.
Redwire's strategy to leverage existing platforms like *SabreSat* for new projects is efficient, likely reducing additional R&D costs and speeding up deployment times. The mention of *proprietary digital engineering tools*, which are tailored for the unique VLEO environment, suggests a sophisticated technological edge that could justify premium pricing in future contracts.
Additionally, Redwire's engagement with both DARPA and the European Space Agency (ESA) for similar VLEO projects suggests a growing international footprint and diversified revenue base. These factors could make Redwire an attractive proposition for long-term investors looking at the space technology sector.
In the short term, investors should monitor Redwire's financial reports for any immediate revenue recognition from this contract and any uptick in R&D expenditures might be warranted to sustain this growth trajectory.
Rating: 1
Redwire will Leverage its SabreSat VLEO Spacecraft Design for DARPA’s Otter Program
Redwire is leveraging its SabreSat VLEO platform for DARPA's Otter program. Image: Redwire
The strategic significance of VLEO is growing – especially for national security missions. While low-Earth (LEO) and geosynchronous (GEO) orbits are becoming increasingly congested and contested, spacecraft in VLEO operate in a relatively unimpaired environment. Bridging the gap between air and space, VLEO spacecraft fly above airborne anti-access areas while operating significantly closer to the area of responsibility on the ground than existing satellites. Additionally, unlike LEO and GEO, debris in VLEO deorbits in hours or days rather than in decades or more.
“We are proud to be leveraging our SabreSat satellite design to support critical VLEO technology advancements for DARPA’s game-changing Otter program,” said Spence Wise, Redwire Senior Vice President, Missions and Platforms. “As VLEO emerges as a critical domain for national security missions, Redwire is continuing to make investments to support technology innovation and strategic operations in this environment.”
As the prime contractor and mission systems enabler for DARPA’s Otter program, Redwire will be responsible for building the SabreSat bus, advancing the critical technologies necessary for the mission, and integrating, coordinating, and leading the team for the project. To support mission planning and execution for the program, Redwire is using proprietary digital engineering tools that are configured for the unique environment of VLEO. This includes Redwire’s Digitally Engineered Mission Systems & Integration (DEMSI) platform and processes, which utilizes high-fidelity physics and thermosphere models that account for space weather to model atmospheric drag and material degradation caused by atomic oxygen.
Redwire’s highly flexible SabreSat “orbital drone” is modular in size, accommodating a variety of mission applications, including high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); resilient communications; navigation; and Earth science payloads. Designed for performance, endurance, and cost-effectiveness, SabreSat is intended to seed the market for VLEO capabilities.
In addition to SabreSat, Redwire’s European office is leveraging its Phantom European VLEO Platform to study the use of VLEO for the European Space Agency’s Skimsat program together with Thales Alenia Space
About Redwire
Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) is a global space infrastructure and innovation company enabling civil, commercial, and national security programs. Redwire’s proven and reliable capabilities include avionics, sensors, power solutions, critical structures, mechanisms, radio frequency systems, platforms, missions, and microgravity payloads. Redwire combines decades of flight heritage and proven experience with an agile and innovative culture. Redwire’s approximately 700 employees working from 14 facilities located throughout
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240617729289/en/
Media Contact:
Emily Devine
Emily.Devine@redwirespace.com
305-632-9137
OR
Investors:
investorrelations@redwirespace.com
904-425-1431
Source: Redwire Corporation
FAQ
What is the significance of the DARPA contract awarded to Redwire (RDW)?
What is the SabreSat VLEO platform?
How will Redwire (RDW) leverage the SabreSat VLEO platform?
What are the benefits of VLEO spacecraft for national security missions?
What is Redwire’s role in DARPA’s Otter program?
What digital tools will Redwire use for the Otter program?
What other VLEO projects is Redwire involved in?
