The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a research and development agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, responsible for creating breakthrough technologies for national security. While not a space agency, DARPA initiates and manages high-risk, high-payoff projects relevant to space, including satellite constellations, space-based surveillance tech, lunar habitats, and advanced propulsion systems like nuclear thermal rockets. DARPA partners with various organizations, including NASA, U.S. Space Force, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and BAE Systems, to achieve its goals. Keywords associated with DARPA's space activities include space superiority, space-based weaponry, advanced materials, and autonomous systems.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The NASA–DARPA partnership on DRACO is governed by a non-reimbursable agreement signed by the two agencies earlier 2023-01.
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility has two flat pads with basic infrastructure that were built by DARPA, remain owned by DARPA, and are operated by NASA.
Redwire Corporation will provide its suite of space cybersecurity tools developed with BigBear.ai to Mynaric for the development of an advanced satellite communication program sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
BigBear.ai is participating with Redwire to deliver the SpaceCREST platform to Mynaric in support of DARPA’s efforts to improve satellite communications resilience to cyberattacks.
Mynaric will use the SpaceCREST platform to ensure the security of its optical communications terminal design for Phase 1 of DARPA’s Space Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) program.
DARPA is working with multiple vendors to develop a low-cost laser communications terminal that is compatible with government and private-sector optical intersatellite link standards.
SpaceCREST will support the cybersecurity evaluation of Mynaric’s optical communications terminal for Phase 1 of DARPA’s Space Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) program.
Rocket Lab’s 32 Electron missions from Launch Complex 1 delivered 152 satellites to orbit for customers including NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, DARPA, the U.S. Space Force, and commercial constellation operators.
Rocket Lab has delivered 152 satellites to orbit for customers that have included NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, DARPA, the U.S. Space Force, and commercial constellation operators.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems delivered a baseline design of a DRACO nuclear thermal propulsion reactor and engine under contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
DARPA partnered with SpaceLogistics, a Northrop Grumman company, in 2020 so SpaceLogistics would provide the spacecraft bus, launch, and operations in exchange for commercial use of the robotic payload on-orbit.
DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) on-orbit demonstration mission is scheduled to launch in 2024.
Astra Space previously reduced staff in early 2020 after losing a Rocket 3 vehicle on the pad in Alaska during preparations for the DARPA Launch Challenge.
DARPA originally selected SSL as its commercial partner for RSGS in 2017.
DARPA selected Northrop Grumman’s subsidiary SpaceLogistics as its RSGS partner in 2020.
A robotic arm developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency completed key tests and is on track to be integrated with a Northrop Grumman spacecraft and launch to geosynchronous Earth orbit in 2024.
DARPA plans for on-orbit satellite servicing activities under the RSGS program to begin in 2025.
Under contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems delivered a baseline design of a DRACO Nuclear Thermal Propulsion reactor and engine.
Sikorsky partnered with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop autonomous technology for Black Hawk helicopters.
DARPA selected Spire Global on 2022-11-01 to design a small satellite for an experiment to study high-frequency radio signals in the upper layers of the atmosphere.