U.S. Space Force Rapid Capabilities Office selects companies for tech accelerator

ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. Space Force’s Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) announced Jan. 29 it selected 10 companies to participate in its inaugural Prime Fusion Pilot Accelerator Program, an initiative aimed at fast-tracking technologies to protect military satellites from orbital threats.The program, run in partnership with defense contractor FedTech, is designed to identify emerging space technologies that could enhance the safety of satellites in orbit. Space RCO, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, focuses on the rapid acquisition and delivery of critical space systems.The accelerator will focus on satellite defense technologies, including onboard satellite sensors, anomaly detection software, and ground-based tracking systems to monitor and report potential threats such as space debris and adversarial activity. “The goal is to seamlessly integrate new and innovative technologies into satellites offered by prime integrators, creating adaptable space assets with built-in awareness,” the Space RCO said in a statement on Jan. 29.The Space RCO, established by Congress in 2018, serves as a specialized unit within the Space Force dedicated to the expedited development and deployment of space capabilities.Companies team upThe accelerator’s first cohort consists of five two-company teams, each bringing specialized expertise in satellite technology and situational awareness:Active Vigilance – Turion Space: Active Vigilance specializes in automated onboard anomaly detection. Turion Space develops spacecraft capable of docking and maneuvering.Digantara – Anduril: India-based Digantara is focused on space situational awareness, using a network of nanosatellites and a cloud-based analytics platform to track and assess space debris. Anduril Industries, a U.S. defense technology firm, is known for integrating artificial intelligence into defense systems.Geost – Impulse Space: Geost manufactures space domain awareness payloads that track and identify objects in space. Impulse Space specializes in in-space transportation.Raptor Dynamix – True Anomaly: Raptor Dynamix, a defense contractor leveraging AI for geospatial intelligence, teams up with True Anomaly, which develops spacecraft designed for military orbital operations and space domain awareness.TRL11 – BlackVe: TRL11 is working to bring full-motion video capabilities to space for applications like satellite docking and debris removal. BlackVe focuses on developing spacecraft technologies for military applications.The accelerator will culminate in a March 2025 pitch event in Albuquerque, where teams will present their solutions to Space RCO leadership and industry representatives.