AUGUST 8, 2025 – The Space Rapid Capabilities Office hosted an Agile Satellite Industry Engagement Day on July 30, bringing together 13 prospective industry partners for a full day of technical discussions aimed at advancing next-generation satellite design and procurement.
The workshop served as a collaborative forum to explore design considerations and acquisition strategies for future near-Geostationary Earth Orbit satellite, software and ground programs.
It reflects Space RCO’s commitment to early and continuous engagement with leading space technology providers—an approach that accelerates the procurement of advanced systems critical to the U.S. Space Force’s mission to safeguard national interests in space.
Ten satellite manufacturers and three system integrators — selected from respondents to a May 2025 Request for Information — were invited to attend the one-day workshop on July 30, 2025, in Albuquerque.
Participants took part in technical sessions on satellite specifications, roundtable conversations focused on operational design considerations and one-on-one discussions with contracting officers.
The group included both emerging and well-established companies — each offering specialized expertise in propulsion, sensing, autonomy and scalable manufacturing.
“As a former operator and now an acquisition professional, I recognize the importance of engaging industry early to help inform technical specifications,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Cork, a Space Force acquisition and operations officer. “These in-person sessions play a critical role in building trust between Space RCO and mission partners.”
The workshop drew on the acquisition strategies used in Space RCO’s Rapid Resilient Command and Control program, which demonstrated the value of partnering with smaller, innovative companies through Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contracts — offering flexibility within fixed program timelines.
Insights from this workshop will inform upcoming acquisition planning, with a Request for Proposal expected by the end of the year.
Space Rapid Capabilities Office