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.
DARPA selected 11 teams for Phase 1 of the Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) program.
DARPA selected teams from academia and large and small commercial companies for Phase 1 of Space-BACN, including multiple performers receiving first-time contracts with the Department of Defense.
DARPA is planning for a future where tens of thousands of satellites from multiple private sector organizations deliver broadband services from low Earth orbit (LEO).
The goal of DARPA's SPCE program is to boost the performance of space-based point-of-load systems through the development of high-voltage, radiation-tolerant transistors.
DARPA's Space Power Conversion Electronics program seeks greater efficiencies in usable power for satellites operating in the harsh space environment.
The goal of DARPA’s SPCE program is to boost the performance of space-based POL systems through the development of high-voltage, radiation-tolerant transistors and integrated circuit technologies.
DARPA’s Space Power Conversion Electronics (SPCE) program seeks greater efficiencies in usable power in the harsh space environment.
SpaceLink is working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop protocols for connecting commercial communications constellations with defense and military systems.
DARPA offered a $10,000,000 Launch Challenge prize to any company that could launch a payload to low Earth orbit with just a few days’ preparation and repeat the launch weeks later.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory developed the Space Surveillance Telescope more than 20 years ago with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
COFFEE is part of DARPA’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative, a five-year investment totaling upwards of $1,500,000,000 in advancement of the U.S. semiconductor industry.
DARPA awarded BAE Systems’ FAST Labs a $6,500,000 contract for the COmpact Front-end Filters at the ElEment-level (COFFEE) program.
DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office started the Blackjack program in 2018 to demonstrate a mesh network of satellites in space connected by optical links.
The Saturn-class small satellite bus shipped to DARPA was the first Blackjack bus to achieve environmental testing.
Under the DARPA contract, Blue Canyon is producing Saturn-class small satellite buses that can carry payloads up to 200 kg.
Blue Canyon Technologies delivered the first of 10 satellite buses that DARPA ordered in 2020 for the Blackjack experiment in low Earth orbit.
Blue Canyon Technologies delivered one Saturn-class microsatellite bus for the DARPA Blackjack Program.
The U.S. Department of Defense, DARPA, and NASA are all developing concepts for nuclear-powered spacecraft.
A DARPA-led study team is working with MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the Space Development Agency, and other organizations to integrate commercial, government, and military satellite communities.
SpaceLink will work with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop protocols for how commercial communications constellations will connect with defense and military systems.