Terran Orbital joins elite group for 237 million US Space Force tech program

Written by Copernical Team Monday, 05 May 2025 08:15

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 05, 2025

Terran Orbital Corporation has been selected by the U.S. Space Force to participate in the Space Test Experiments Platform (STEP) 2.0 program, a 10-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract worth up to $237 million. Managed by the Space Systems Command, the initiative supports the Department of Defense's efforts to accelerate the deployment and validation of advanced space tec

Terran Orbital joins elite group for 237 million US Space Force tech program
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 05, 2025

Terran Orbital Corporation has been selected by the U.S. Space Force to participate in the Space Test Experiments Platform (STEP) 2.0 program, a 10-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract worth up to $237 million. Managed by the Space Systems Command, the initiative supports the Department of Defense's efforts to accelerate the deployment and validation of advanced space technologies.

Under the STEP 2.0 contract, Terran Orbital will compete for task orders to design and deliver modular small satellite buses. These compact spacecraft, comparable in size to a microwave or small refrigerator, will host experimental payloads such as advanced sensors, navigation instruments, and communications systems. They are intended to serve as flexible platforms for demonstrating next-generation space capabilities.

"Terran Orbital is proud to be selected for the STEP 2.0 initiative and to continue our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Space Force," said Peter Kraus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital. "This award underscores our commitment to advancing national security through innovative, flight-proven small satellite solutions."

STEP 2.0 is structured to streamline the development cycle from concept to orbit, making it easier and faster to field Department of Defense space experiments. The program leverages commercial industry advancements and promotes efficiency by integrating multiple payloads on standard satellite platforms, which are then launched via frequent commercial rideshares.

Terran Orbital's strengths in scalable manufacturing, rapid system integration, and flexible mission support uniquely position the company to fulfill STEP 2.0 objectives and advance U.S. military space modernization.

Alongside Terran Orbital, selected participants in the contract include Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Blue Canyon Technologies, Loft Orbital, Spire Global, York Space Systems, and other emerging space innovators.

Research Report:Space Test Experiments Platform (STEP) 2.0