Earth to Orbit: Accelerating Dual-Use Technology for the Mission

Could your UAS technology meet the next mission need?

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The UASpace Challenge is a three-month accelerator designed to connect innovative uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS technologies and companies with emerging mission needs across the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

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We are looking for small businesses and emerging technology companies to explore how capabilities originally developed for aerial and ground operations can be transitioned into the space domain. Our focus is on these priority areas:

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Autonomous Systems & Logistics

• Uncrewed ground and aerial payload transportation

• Autonomous container handling and movement systems

• Autonomous UAV/UGV Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) systems

• Uncrewed, automated ground recovery systems

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Space Mission Enabling Technologies

• Future power generation and resilient energy systems

• Data relay and communications, including RF and laser technologies

• Autonomous software, computer vision, and advanced sensor payloads

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Threat Detection & Mission Protection

• Counter-drone and unmanned systems technologies

• Threat detection and environmental identification, including Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

• Asset defense, hardened systems, and contested logistics

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Up to 10 companies will be selected to participate. They will receive targeted coaching, mentorship, and connections to government and industry experts in identifying mission alignment & dual-use applications, business development, government contracting, compliance & regulations, and investor readiness.

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Companies that complete the accelerator will be invited to pitch their technologies to government customers, mission partners, investors and other stakeholders at the UASpace Showcase. The top three companies will move on to a Demo Day where one will win $25,000. ​​​