Kayhan Space Proxima solution. Photo: Kayhan Space

Kayhan Space, along with Astroscale U.S. and UT-Austin have been awarded a U.S. Space Force contract to develop a solution that will enable in-space service, assembly, and manufacturing.

The contract is part of the SpaceWERX Orbital Prime program, which is focused on accelerating capabilities related on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM). SpaceWERX is the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and part of AFWERX.

Kayhan Space’s Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase 1 contract is to investigate how the Kayhan Proxima solution will enable in-space service assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities.

During Phase 1, Kayhan Space will work with Astroscale U.S. engineers and UT-Austin spaceflight researchers and students to deliver a rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) management solution. A feasibility study of the RPO management platform will be delivered early next year, while a prototype and Phase 2 demonstration mission is planned for 2024.

“Kayhan Space is already empowering leading satellite operators to leverage real-time conjunction assessment and collision avoidance with Kayhan Pathfinder to help hundreds of spacecraft steer clear of pile ups in popular orbits,” said Siamak Hesar, Kayhan Space CEO and co-founder. “And now we’re building on that proven expertise with our Kayhan Proxima solution, in collaboration with Astroscale U.S. and UT-Austin, to ultimately bring spacecraft close together safely to drive a sustainable space economy and defense with autonomous RPO.”

SpaceWerx awarded 125 contracts worth $250,000 each under the Orbital Prime program. Other awardees include Tangram Flex, ThinkOrbital, and Epsilon3.