Reflect Orbital Selected for SBIR Phase II Contract by AFWERX to Advance Satellite-Based Sunlight Redirection Technology
Technology to support energy resilience and responsive lighting for critical Department of the Air Force operations
HAWTHORNE, Calif., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflect Orbital announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a Phase II SBIR contract in the amount of $1.25 million focused on its sunlight on demand satellite reflector technology to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on May 14, 2025, Reflect Orbital will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
"This award validates the critical national need for nighttime energy and light, and reflects our belief that scalable, space-based solutions can deliver responsive light and energy anywhere on Earth," said Ben Nowack, CEO and Co-founder of Reflect Orbital. "We're thankful for the vote of confidence from the Department of the Air Force to advance energy independence and resilience."
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
About Reflect Orbital
Reflect Orbital is building a constellation of satellites to deliver sunlight on demand. Using advanced reflector technology and large deployable structures, its satellites transform into precise orbital mirrors, creating a new category of space-enabled infrastructure. Backed by Lux Capital, Sequoia Capital, and Starship Ventures, Reflect serves critical needs across energy resilience, nighttime lighting, defense, and beyond. To learn more, visit reflectorbital.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.
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SOURCE Reflect Orbital