AFWERX, SpaceWERX SBIR/STTR Program Supports Satellites Built for Large Payloads, Orbital Versatility

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The DAF must respond rapidly and flexibly to threats in an increasingly congested and contested space domain, a mission that requires innovative and cost-effective solutions for developing and deploying advanced space capabilities. K2 Space, a Torrance, California company, is developing a low-cost, high-capability satellite platform capable of carrying large payloads and operating in various orbits, including low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and cislunar space.

The K2 satellite bus delivers 10 times more power than other low-cost buses in its class and boasts a large payload deck. Its multi-orbit capability and high launch density, with up to 10 satellites per launch, support diverse missions and rapid constellation deployment. With the advent of more powerful launch vehicles, K2 went against the grain, using heavier, inexpensive materials that could reduce costs by 90 percent.

This Success Story, which was first published in the AFWERX-SpaceWERX FY2024 Annual Report, has been updated since its initial release.

K2 Space’s SBIR/STTR journey

In 2023, K2 Space participated in the Tactically Responsive Space Challenge, an initiative by SpaceWERX and Space Safari aimed at accelerating the development of space technologies. The company successfully competed and was awarded a SBIR contract, demonstrating its innovative approach.

Recognizing the potential of K2 Space’s technology, the DAF also awarded the company multiple Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer contracts in FY23-24, meant to support its initial early work on its satellite technology.

Then, as FY24 drew to a close, K2 Space was awarded a $60 million STRATFI contract by SpaceWERX and Space Force, Air Force Research Laboratory and the Pentagon’s Space Test Program, reaching this milestone at blazing speed, just halfway through their period of performance.

The Gravitas mission has also received support from the Department of War’s Space Development Agency, Space Force’s Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Program Executive Office, Space Warfighting Acquisition Delta and National Space Test and Training Complex.

The Gravitas flight is slated for March 2026, marking the first launch of the company’s mega-class satellite, powered by a 20-kilowatt Hall-effect thruster, into medium orbit. K2 tested its electric propulsion system at its Torrance facility earlier this year.

Consisting of SBIR and other government funds, as well as private capital, the STRATFI will support the completion of K2’s mega-class satellite bus. The project will include designing and building payload interfaces, integrating payloads, launch, and operation for a minimum of 18 months after launch.

In July, K2 announced it had successfully demonstrated several of its in-house satellite components in space. These critical components included a flight computer, microcontroller core board, motor controller and reaction wheel. Successful validation of these components should reduce the technical risks for the DAF-supported Gravitas mission, K2 officials said.

In October, K2 Space said it plans to launch three satellites into orbit in 2027 using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Dubbed Trinity, the launch will include multiple deployments in which the satellites will operate at low, medium and geostationary transfer orbits.

*Disclaimer: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of War or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.