SpaceWERX Selects 11 Companies to Power the Next Generation of Space Capabilities

TFX Capital congratulates ThinkOrbital on being selected for an investment from SpaceWERX!

SpaceWERX is investing in 11 companies developing technologies designed to give Guardians new ways to operate, maneuver and compete in space.

The U.S. Space Force's innovation arm announced its Program Year 2026.1 Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) selections Aug. 20 during Fed Supernova, in Austin, TX. These companies are tackling some of the toughest challenges ranging from nuclear power to space control to strengthen the nation's ability to operate in an increasingly contested space environment.

STRATFI gives promising technologies a powerful boost at a critical point in their journey. After proving their concepts through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II efforts, eligible companies can use STRATFI funding to make the leap from prototype to demonstrable capability.

This year, the STRATFI program pulled together $562.5 million which included funds from SpaceWERX, program offices, non-traditional businesses, and private capital. In this cycle, $245 million was matched by private capital.

"STRATFI is a critical tool for the Space Force to signal demand to industry and private investors, de-risk innovative technologies, and empower non-traditional and small businesses to scale game-changing capabilities faster, more affordably, and at the speed required to maintain space superiority," said Arthur Grijalva, SpaceWERX director.

The STRATFI selection announcements mark the beginning of the next phase. Each company will work with SpaceWERX and Space Force to finalize contract terms, hit program milestones and mature its technology for a potential transition. For these 11 companies, STRATFI represents more than another round of funding. It is a chance to turn promising technology into real capability.

Read more and see the complete list of winners here.

About SpaceWERX
SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a division of AFWERX, partners with startups, small businesses and nontraditional vendors to accelerate commercial space technologies for Guardians. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX connects industry innovation with defense needs to deliver capabilities faster. In partnership with Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office, SpaceWERX bridges innovation and acquisition to accelerate capability adoption. In fiscal year 2025, SpaceWERX awarded more than 300 contracts totaling $510 million. For more information, visit spacewerx.us.