1. 9 Million Contract For Infrared Missile Detection Payload

In a recent development, Muon Space, a California-based startup, has secured a $1. 9 million contract to design an infrared sensing payload for missile detection and tracking. This award, issued by SpaceWERX, the U. S. Space Force’s technology arm, enables Muon to bypass initial feasibility studies and proceed directly to prototype development.

The contract is part of the Space Force’s efforts to enhance its missile defense capabilities. Muon’s payload will be integrated into the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer, a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit that aims to provide continuous detection and tracking of advanced missile threats. Muon will leverage its Quickbeam scanning architecture, initially developed for thermal detection, to build a high-sensitivity variant of its multispectral electro-optical infrared payload.

According to Jonny Dyer, CEO of Muon Space, this contract validates the company’s approach to adapting commercial space technology for critical defense applications. This contract is not Muon’s first foray into defense-related work. Earlier this year, the Space Force awarded the company a $44. 6 million contract to demonstrate its Quickbeam thermal imaging system for environmental monitoring and weather imaging.

Muon has also collaborated with the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance to develop thermal sensing payloads, with plans to deploy a FireSat ← →