Muon Space secures contract to enhance space-based environmental monitoring

Muon Space secures contract to enhance space-based environmental monitoring
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 06, 2024

Muon Space, a comprehensive space systems provider specializing in designing and operating low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, announced its receipt of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract. This award, facilitated by SpaceWERX and Space Systems Command (SSC), supports the advancement of space-based environmental monitoring (SBEM) through the development of a multi-mission, multispectral Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) instrument. This instrument aims to address critical data shortages for the Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial markets.

The innovative EO/IR system will provide detailed cloud characterization and theater weather imagery, fulfilling the top two SBEM priorities identified by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). These features are vital for global defense operations, where accurate and timely environmental intelligence underpins mission success.

SpaceWERX, an innovation-focused division of the U.S. Space Force under AFWERX, collaborates with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to streamline the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Since its inception in 2018, the Open Topic SBIR/STTR initiative has broadened the scope of technologies eligible for Department of the Air Force (DAF) funding. Muon Space's participation exemplifies these programs' goals, delivering cutting-edge solutions for dual-use military and civilian applications.

"This award accelerates Muon's development of a dual-use instrument that will serve both the DoD's SBEM needs and our commercial wildfire monitoring mission, FireSat," said Gregory Smirin, President of Muon Space. "By evolving our FireSat infrared instrument to include additional spectral bands, we can observe cloud cover as well as wildfires, creating a highly versatile instrument that can serve multiple markets."

The SBIR program's focus on fostering innovation through non-dilutive funding empowers small businesses like Muon Space to address national security needs while exploring broader commercial potential. The adaptation of Muon's FireSat platform into a dual-purpose SBEM variant underscores the company's commitment to delivering critical Earth intelligence for global resilience and safety.

Christine Fox, a former Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense and member of Muon Space's Board of Directors, highlighted the impact of this development: "The ability to forecast weather globally, 24/7, in austere and denied environments is crucial for our mission readiness. The EO/IR instrument developed by Muon Space offers a path to achieving that capability faster and more affordably than previously possible."