Overview

• Space Systems Command’s System Delta 810 issued a Phase III SBIR Other Transaction Authority to fund development and on‑orbit demonstration of three dual‑use satellites.
• The prototypes will carry the Quickbeam‑S payload, a nine‑channel imager spanning visible through long‑wave infrared with onboard processing tailored for operational meteorology.
• An SSC spokesperson said two demo spacecraft are projected to launch in late 2027 with a third in early 2028.
• The mission targets the Joint Requirements Oversight Council’s top SBEM needs—cloud characterization and theater weather imagery—to help offset gaps left by legacy DMSP coverage.
• The award builds on Muon’s March 2025 FireSat protoflight and planned 2026 commercial launches, advancing a Data‑as‑a‑Service and hybrid architecture approach; SSC noted the agreement was signed Sept. 12 using FY25 funds.