Overview
- Space Systems Command’s System Delta 810 issued a Phase III SBIR Other Transaction Authority to develop and flight‑demonstrate a dual‑use space‑based environmental monitoring capability on three satellites.
- Each spacecraft will carry the Quickbeam‑S payload, a cross‑track, nine‑channel imager spanning visible through infrared with enhanced onboard processing tailored for weather operations.
- The prototype targets the Joint Requirements Oversight Council’s top needs for Cloud Characterization and Theater Weather Imagery as the DMSP constellation is no longer operational.
- An SSC spokesperson said two demonstration launches are projected for late 2027 with a third in early 2028.
- The effort builds on Muon’s March 2025 FireSat protoflight and a December 2024 Phase II award, with data planned for evaluation under a Data‑as‑a‑Service model supporting aviation, maritime, launch and theater operations.