🚀 Space and Defense #9

Happy Monday 👋

Autonomous defense tech, space-defense communications, and space tech advancements in satellites were the major highlights of the past week. Raytheon secured a $1.19B contract for AMRAAM missile production, Anduril’s Barracuda family offers scalable Autonomous Air Vehicles for warfare, and Draganfly launched the APEX Drone for military and law enforcement. Northrop Grumman received a $54.7M contract for satellite communication antennas, and Intuitive Machines will build NASA's $4.82B lunar satellite constellation. The US Space Force awarded $45M to universities for space power research, while MDA Space is expanding its Quebec satellite facility. Convergint acquired Esscoe and  Ranger Fire and Security acquired Fire Door Specialists. 

🚁 Autonomous Defense Tech

🔧 Raytheon Technologies received a ~$1B contract modification from the US Department of Defense. The contract includes spares, and telemetry systems, and involves multiple international partners, for additional AMRAAM missile production with completion expected by December 2028.

💥 Anduril Industries' Barracuda family of Autonomous Air Vehicles (AAVs) is offering a scalable, affordable solution to modern warfare. With three models, Barracuda-100, -250, and -500, it addresses the gap in precision-guided munitions through modular, software-defined, and autonomous capabilities.

✈️ Draganfly Inc. launched the APEX Drone, designed for military and law enforcement surveillance. With a 45-minute flight time, 5-pound payload capacity, and advanced AI capabilities, it offers portability, modularity, and reliable communication for mission-critical operations.

✨ Space - Defense Comms

🛰️ Northrop Grumman received a $54.7M contract to develop advanced satellite communications antennas for military aircraft. This three-year project supports the DEUCSI program, modernizing military communications across land, sea, and air operations, and enhancing connectivity through commercial space internet constellations. 

🚀 NASA awarded Intuitive Machines a contract to build a lunar satellite constellation for continuous communication and navigation services. The contract, worth up to $4.82B, supports NASA's lunar missions, enabling data transmission beyond direct line of sight with Earth.

📡 The Space Development Agency is enhancing satellite communications in its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. With demonstrations showing sustained optical links between SpaceX-built satellites, there will be upcoming launches for Tranche 1 therefore further enhancing military capabilities.

🌌 Space Tech Advancements

⚡ The US Space Force awarded $45M to the University of Michigan and Rochester Institute of Technology for advanced research in space power and propulsion. This initiative, part of the Space Force’s University Consortium, aims to develop technologies in solar cells, thrusters, and power systems while fostering space sector expertise.

📡 Intelsat partnered with Greenerwave to develop multi-orbit satellite communication terminals for commercial aviation, government, and mobility sectors by 2025. The partnership aims to enhance competitiveness against Starlink by offering broader connectivity options across various industries.

🏢 MDA Space plans to expand its Quebec satellite facility by 185,000 square feet. The new plant, operational by late 2025, will enhance Telesat Lightspeed production, produce up to two satellites daily, and add 600 jobs.

💰 Space Deals

🔥 Convergint acquired Esscoe, a company that provides security and fire safety systems, for an undisclosed amount to accelerate its growth across the Midwestern US and added more than 80 local employees.

🚪 Ranger Fire and Security acquired Fire Door Specialists, a company based in Nottinghamshire that specializes in fire doors for an undisclosed amount to offer a full range of services and created substantial prospects for cross-selling.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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