Redwire’s $44 Million DARPA Contract Puts Otter Spacecraft in the VLEO Spotlight

New Contract Marks a Pivotal Step in VLEO Satellite Technology

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is taking a major leap in space technology. The company has secured a $44 million Phase 2 contract from DARPA to advance the Otter Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) mission. This contract covers the manufacturing and launch delivery of Otter, the world’s first air-breathing spacecraft built on Redwire’s proprietary SabreSat platform. With this win, Redwire strengthens its presence at the forefront of cutting-edge satellite systems for defense, intelligence, and communication sectors.

SabreSat and Otter: Pushing the Boundaries of Low-Altitude Space Missions

The Otter spacecraft is not just another satellite—it’s an innovation designed to operate closer to Earth than traditional satellites, in the challenging environment of VLEO. This mission aims to showcase the unique benefits of the SabreSat Orbital Drone: extended endurance, better sensor capabilities due to closer proximity to ground targets, improved data revisit rates, and lower latency for mission-critical information.

Tom Campbell, Redwire’s President of Space Missions, emphasized that VLEO represents “an exciting new frontier” that could redefine mission resilience and effectiveness for next-generation space infrastructure. By working closely with DARPA, Redwire is aiming to speed up the transition of these advancements from concept to operational deployment.

Otter’s Advanced Capabilities Signal a Shift in Satellite Resilience and Performance

What sets Otter apart? The spacecraft will employ a blend of innovative software and hardware solutions built for harsh low-altitude orbits. The goal: to extend operational lifespan and mission adaptability. Otter’s success could set a new benchmark for high-performance, cost-effective, and resilient space assets, positioning Redwire at the leading edge of both government and commercial VLEO initiatives.

Here’s a quick overview of the contract details and project highlights:

Redwire Expands Its Leadership Across the VLEO Landscape

This contract comes on top of Redwire’s ongoing projects, such as serving as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s Skimsat mission and leading digital engineering efforts for DeepSat’s upcoming VLEO constellation. With around 1,300 employees across the US and Europe, Redwire continues to solidify its position as a leader in aerospace and autonomous system solutions, with an eye toward next-gen infrastructure and artificial intelligence automation.

What’s Next? Eyes on Otter’s VLEO Milestone in 2025

While investors and the space technology community await the outcome of Otter’s mission—expected in late 2025—this DARPA award marks a clear signal that VLEO innovation is accelerating. The mission’s success could reshape how both defense and commercial satellites operate in one of the most promising and challenging orbits. For those following space sector trends, Redwire’s expanding VLEO footprint is one to watch.

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