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Propulsion & Power

SpaceWERX backs 11 space firms with $562.5m STRATFI package

By SpaceEnergy 20 August 2026 1 min read

(SpaceEnergy) SpaceWERX has selected 11 companies for a $562.5m Strategic Funding Increase package spanning technologies including nuclear power, spacecraft propulsion and orbital energy systems.

The US Space Force innovation arm announced the Program Year 2026.1 selections during the Fed Supernova conference in Austin, Texas. The total combines SpaceWERX and programme-office funding with private capital, including $245m from private investors.

Selected companies include in-space chemical propulsion developer Agile Space Industries, nuclear microreactor developer Antares Nuclear and orbital energy company Star Catcher Industries. Other recipients are EO Solutions, Hydrosat, Kall Morris, Method Security, Muon Space, Scout Space, Sedaro and ThinkOrbital.

SpaceWERX said the programme is intended to move technologies that have completed Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II work towards demonstrable operational capabilities.

The selected companies will now work with SpaceWERX and the Space Force to finalise contract terms, meet programme milestones and mature their technologies for potential transition into operational programmes.

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