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● TRACKER Updated 29d ago · 6 sources tracked

U.S. defense agencies tap three companies for satellite disposal study

The US Department of Defense has awarded contracts to three companies - Firefly Aerospace, D-Orbit, and Katalyst - to study and develop satellite deorbiting technologies. The goal is to clear dead satellites from major Earth orbits. Firefly Aerospace has been tasked with designing an Elytra Deorbit System. The contracts are part of the Defense Innovation Unit's efforts to find innovative solutions for space sustainability.

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  • ✓ The US Department of Defense has awarded contracts to three companies for satellite deorbiting study.
  • ✓ Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a contract to design an Elytra Deorbit System for the Defense Innovation Unit.
  • ✓ D-Orbit and Katalyst are the other two companies selected for the satellite deorbiting study.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 6 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The US Department of Defense has selected three companies to develop satellite deorbiting technologies, with Firefly Aerospace being awarded a contract to design an Elytra Deorbit System.

Live updates

  1. US defense agencies contract three companies for satellite disposal study

    The US Department of Defense has awarded contracts to three companies - Firefly Aerospace, D-Orbit, and Katalyst - to study and develop satellite deorbiting technologies. The goal is to clear dead satellites from major Earth orbits. Firefly Aerospace has been tasked with designing an Elytra Deorbit System. The contracts are part of the Defense Innovation Unit's efforts to find innovative solutions for space sustainability.

    Why it matters

    The increasing number of satellites in Earth's orbit has raised concerns about space debris and the need for effective deorbiting technologies. The US Department of Defense is actively seeking solutions to mitigate this issue. The contracts awarded to Firefly Aerospace, D-Orbit, and Katalyst are part of this effort.

    What is confirmed

    • The US Department of Defense has awarded contracts to three companies for satellite deorbiting study.
    • Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a contract to design an Elytra Deorbit System for the Defense Innovation Unit.
    • D-Orbit and Katalyst are the other two companies selected for the satellite deorbiting study.

    What to watch next

    • Development of deorbiting technologies by Firefly Aerospace, D-Orbit, and Katalyst
    • Further contracts or partnerships for space sustainability initiatives
    • Progress updates on the Elytra Deorbit System design
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. SpaceNews — U.S. defense agencies tap three companies for satellite disposal study
    2. Firefly Aerospace — Firefly Aerospace Awarded Contract to Design Elytra Deorbit System for Defense Innovation Unit
    3. Interesting Engineering — US spacecraft to clear dead satellites from 3 major Earth orbits
    4. Aviation Week — Pentagon Picks D-Orbit, Firefly, Katalyst In Deorbit-As-Service Push
    5. Air & Space Forces Magazine — Plan to Deorbit Old Satellites Gains Steam with New Deals
    6. The Motley Fool — Firefly Aerospace Is Awarded New Orbital Contract From Department of Defense
    confidence 100%
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