Early Bird

MSU Denver and York Space Systems receive Air Force contract

A Small Business Technology Transfer study will investigate delivery of high-performance space capabilities using New Space technology.

By Tim Carroll

June 24, 2020

Metropolitan State University of Denver and campus partner York Space Systems have been awarded a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) study contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The funded project will investigate the delivery of high-performance space capabilities at an unprecedented low cost with minimal wait time, using leading-edge commercial space technology.

The STTR program funds research and development for companies and higher-education institutions that can deliver innovative technology applications to advance the mission of the Air Force. Over the course of the study, York will leverage its operational spacecraft and open-standard payload interfaces to work in tandem with MSU Denver, applying its commercial software and tools to optimize space imagery from York’s low-cost Earth Observation spacecraft being built for commercial customers.

“We are fortunate to have this unique opportunity to partner with York Space Systems to build and operate a space data laboratory for the U.S. Air Force,” said President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. “These innovative partnerships are the best way to ensure that our education system is developing the industry leaders the nation needs.”

“This program is not only beneficial to the future of the Air Force but is a chance for York and MSU Denver to demonstrate the value of this unique partnership and the cutting-edge space technology we can provide to the New Space industry,” added Melanie Preisser, vice president of national systems at York Space Systems. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity given to us by the Air Force and look forward to our continued success working with MSU Denver.”

As part of the study, MSU Denver’s Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science is creating a Laboratory for Enhanced Space Data Analytics, which will house automated test software and initial analytics for imagery products. MSU Denver will use the laboratory to allow students to perform studies and analyses of promising commercial image-enhancement approaches.

“While we are providing faculty and talented students to support this important research, York is helping us mentor the next generation of aerospace entrepreneurs so they understand what it takes to succeed in every aspect of space commercialization,” said Jeff Forrest, chair and professor of the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department, who is a principal researcher on the study.

York recently received another contract from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service for satellite-mission and instrument-design analysis. This builds on York Space Systems’ recent announcement of its Hydra Mission Series that accelerates new-technology insertion and rapidly advances component- and payload-technology readiness for the broader industry.