Kubos Awarded AFWERX SBIR for Hosted Applications
The Kubos framework for hosted applications will enable the U.S. Air Force to develop advanced space technology using Kubos software to run parallel programs on current spacecraft in orbit without disrupting ongoing operations.
DENTON, Texas, April 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Kubos Corporation (Kubos) announced today that it has received a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) award from the U.S. Air Force to validate a Kubos solution to securely host third-party applications on spacecraft already in orbit. This capability will reduce the time it takes to develop advanced software technologies for space applications from years to just months. It also increases the utility of spacecraft in orbit and improves space system resiliency.
"In today's environment, rapidly evolving threats require the US to more swiftly develop and evolve space technologies," said Marshall Culpepper, chief executive officer of Kubos. "This low-risk solution is designed to help the Air Force, government agencies, and commercial satellite operators accomplish that."
Kubos has developed a spacecraft software framework and development infrastructure using a tailored version of Kubos commercial products. This framework enables spacecraft already in orbit to be used as an operational platform to prove and deploy software capabilities. The capability to run hosted software applications in parallel with the spacecraft primary mission software allows new technologies to be advanced more rapidly without impacting or adding risk to the primary mission. Kubos is also offering this solution to commercial customers to help them create innovative business models and new revenue streams.
"This is an exciting opportunity for Kubos to work directly with the Air Force," stated Dean Hawes, VP of Programs at Kubos. "We're looking forward to demonstrating a capability that will enable rapid technology refresh, greatly enhancing mission flexibility and spacecraft utility for both our government and commercial customers."
About AFWERX
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the SBIR Small Business Innovation Research process in an attempt to speed up the experience, broaden the pool of potential applicants, and decrease bureaucratic overhead. Beginning in SBIR 18.2, the Air Force has begun offering special SBIR topics that are faster, leaner, and open to a broader range of solutions.
About Kubos
Kubos is bringing the software revolution to space, one small satellite at a time. Kubos has two core products on the market: KubOS, an open-source, integrated flight software framework and Major Tom, a mission control tool suite. Both of these products are swiftly gaining acceptance in the commercial space sector and have proven to reduce spacecraft development schedules and simplify operations. http://www.kubos.com
SOURCE Kubos Corporation
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