Reflect Orbital Awarded Phase II SBIR Contract to Innovate Sunlight Redirection Tech with AFWERX

Reflect Orbital Awarded Phase II SBIR Contract

Reflect Orbital, a forward-thinking aerospace company based in Hawthorne, California, recently achieved a significant milestone by being awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract valued at $1.25 million from AFWERX. This contract is focused on the development of innovative satellite technology that addresses pressing energy and lighting challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

A Step Towards Energy Resilience

The awarded funding will support Reflect Orbital’s ambitious project aimed at creating satellite reflector technology that can provide sunlight on demand. This innovative approach is designed to enhance energy resilience and provide responsive lighting solutions, crucial for various operations conducted by the DAF. Ben Nowack, the CEO and Co-founder of Reflect Orbital, expressed enthusiasm regarding this recognition, stating, "This award validates the critical national need for nighttime energy and light."

As the Pentagon increasingly looks for solutions to ensure operational effectiveness during night hours, Reflect Orbital's technology promises to transform how energy is accessed. The scarcity of reliable lighting options during critical operations is a challenge that this new technology seeks to solve.

The Impact of the SBIR Program

The Phase II contract is part of a broader initiative by the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX aimed at streamlining the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes. By fostering an environment that encourages small business participation, these programs aim to speed up the timeline from proposal to award, thereby simplifying the path for innovative companies looking to contribute to national defense.

The Open Topic SBIR/STTR program, introduced in 2018, has significantly expanded the range of innovations supported by the DAF. Reflect Orbital joins a growing list of small businesses positively impacted by this initiative, leading the charge in creating solutions that enhance the nation’s defense capabilities.

Advanced Capabilities for National Defense

Reflect Orbital plans to utilize the contract funding to further develop its cutting-edge reflector technology. The company's vision encompasses a constellation of satellites capable of transforming into precise orbital mirrors, allowing for sunlight to be directed to specific areas on Earth. This new category of space-enabled infrastructure is backed by notable investors, including Lux Capital, Sequoia Capital, and Starship Ventures, all of whom recognize the critical nature of energy independence and resilience in contemporary defense operations.

In light of recent global events and the increasing need for energy security, the demand for such technology has never been more pronounced. With the potential to provide energy solutions at any location and time, Reflect Orbital is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on.

Conclusion

Going forward, the partnership between Reflect Orbital and the DAF marks a pivotal development in the realm of military technology and space-based solutions for energy needs. As Reflect Orbital embarks on this transformative journey beginning on May 14, 2025, the effects of their advancements in sunlight redirection technology could ripple through various sectors, demonstrating the profound impact that innovative small businesses can have in bolstering national defense and energy security. To learn more about Reflect Orbital and their groundbreaking initiatives, interested parties can visit their website at reflectorbital.com.