ThinkOrbital selected for SpaceWERX Future Series Challenge

TFX Capital would like to congratulate ThinkOrbital for being selected to advance to the next phase of the Futures Series: Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) Challenge!

Led by HQ SF/S9C (Force Design and Analysis) in partnership with SpaceWERX, this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) opportunity is designed to accelerate the development of targeted emerging technologies that will help shape the future of U.S. Space Force on-orbit computing, sensing, and orchestration capabilities.

In April 2026, innovators from small businesses and research institutions were invited to submit solutions addressing some of the most complex challenges facing future space operations. The overwhelming response to the solicitation, with a record more than 300 submissions, demonstrated the depth of innovation across the commercial space ecosystem. Following a competitive evaluation process, approximately 29 solutions have been selected for awards and to advance to the next phase of the Challenge.

"This Challenge addresses key technology needs broadly felt across national security space and complementary to where industry IRAD and private capital are headed. This program aims to leverage STTR authority to accelerate novel dual-use technology development between academia and industry, and intentionally mature these capabilities with support from government partners. These factors make this Challenge in particular exciting," said Capt. Nestor Levin, lead sponsor for the SpaceWERX Adaptive and Intelligent Space Challenge.

ThinkOrbital will have the opportunity to further develop and present their proposed technologies during a pitch day event for follow-on awards, currently anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027. This next phase will bring innovators together with government stakeholders to further evaluate the technical merit, mission relevance, and transition potential of their solutions.

Read more and see the complete list of selected organizations here.