Terran Orbital Corporation, a leading manufacturer of small satellites primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, announced it has been selected by the U.S. Space Force as one of 12 companies awarded a position on the Space Test Experiments Platform (STEP) 2.0 contract. This 10-year, $237 million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, administered by Space Systems Command, supports the Department of Defense’s broader Space Test Program (STP) to accelerate the deployment and validation of advanced space-based technologies.
As part of STEP 2.0, Terran Orbital will compete for task orders to develop and deliver modular small satellite buses capable of hosting a wide range of experimental payloads, from new sensors to cutting-edge communications and navigation systems. These spacecraft, typically the size of a microwave or small refrigerator, serve as adaptable platforms to carry out critical technology demonstrations that will inform future military space architectures.
“Terran Orbital is proud to be selected for the STEP 2.0 initiative and to continue our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Space Force,” said Peter Kraus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital. “This award underscores our commitment to advancing national security through innovative, flight-proven small satellite solutions.”
The STEP 2.0 contract is designed to streamline the path from concept to orbit for Department of Defense experiments by leveraging commercial space industry capabilities. The initiative also aims to reduce historic delays associated with aligning payload availability and launch opportunities by bundling multiple experiments onto standardized spacecraft and enabling frequent commercial rideshare launches.
Terran Orbital’s proven manufacturing scalability, rapid integration capabilities, and mission flexibility make it uniquely positioned to support this critical program and contribute to the modernization of U.S. military space operations. Other companies selected for the contract include Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Blue Canyon Technologies, Loft Orbital, Spire Global, York Space Systems, and several emerging space technology providers.
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