KENT, Wash. - New Frontier Aerospace (NFA), an innovator in advanced propulsion, hypersonics and orbital transfer technologies, has announced it has been selected for a Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Tactical High Orbit Fast Transfer (THOFT) award by SpaceWERX. This award will enable NFA to further develop its revolutionary Bifröst Orbit Transfer Spacecraft (OTS), specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the THOFT mission.
This SBIR, a collaborative effort between SpaceWERX, the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Lab, Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space, and US Space Command, seeks to significantly reduce response times in and beyond Low Earth Orbit. This rapid acquisition initiative aims to utilize commercial and government mission partners to quickly respond to threats or augment existing capabilities during conflict or crisis. The goal is to enhance U.S. and allied resilience in space by shrinking response times from months or years to days or hours.
NFA's Bifröst spacecraft is a solution that will enable tactically relevant, resilient, and responsive operations at high energy orbital locations. Bifröst utilizes NFA's high-thrust, high-efficiency LOX/LNG Mjölnir engine, a propulsion system that provides the power required for rapid orbit changes. This advanced technology will be a part of the THOFT mission to achieve rapid and reliable access to critical high-energy orbits.
Bill Bruner, CEO of New Frontier Aerospace, said, "We are thrilled to receive this award from the U.S. Space Force through SpaceWERX. This funding represents a critical step forward in the development of a near flight ready Bifröst Prototype OTS and its potential to revolutionize dynamic space maneuver operations. The Mjölnir engine and its integration into the Bifröst OTS aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative, high-performance solutions to meet the Space Force's evolving national security needs."
