Problem Statement

The number of countries participating in the global space industry has skyrocketed in recent years. There are now 77 space agencies around the world (16 with launch capabilities). This massive growth is accelerating a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) with new technologies being developed across industries that rely on free and unencumbered access to space. Disruption of services from space threatens public safety and economic stability.

The proliferation of, and dependence on, services provided by space assets demands that they be protected. Protecting commercial, civil, and military space assets from direct threats promotes a safe space ecosystem for all. Securing space requires more advanced technologies better positioned to maintain the safety, security, stability, and long-term sustainability of space.

Threats come from intentional actions, including physical attacks (which could create debris, an additional hazard), jamming of signals, or laser attacks that disable satellites. Not only do we need to protect our assets from known threats, but also those yet to be imagined.

About the 2023 Hyperspace Challenge

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), created in 2019 to accelerate government acquisition of key commercial space technologies, is looking for companies with proven track records and mature technologies to help protect space assets from threats. Specifically, Space RCO is pursuing products that:

Increase Space Visibility and Awareness using threat and hazard awareness capabilities that can quickly and accurately detect and prioritize threats either from the ground or space.

Advance Space Analysis and Vehicle Autonomy using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and/or autonomous technologies that reduce ground-based vehicle operator workload, inform intelligent vehicle response decisions, and decrease vehicle response time.

Increase Space Vehicle Lifespan and Maneuverability using advanced propulsion, refueling capabilities, and/or other fuel conservation innovations that allow space assets to maneuver freely without future negative consequences.

While companies may address each need individually, Space RCO is particularly interested in addressing the needs collaboratively in order to unlock new opportunities in space, enable safer and faster readiness and training activities, and even create new operating concepts not yet imagined. The ability to maneuver, coupled with timely awareness and decision support tools opens options for proactively avoiding threats or reactively responding to minimize threat effects. Taken together these capabilities may also open more orbit options, allow for more readiness and training activities, and even create opportunities for new operating concepts.

Description of Special Event Sponsorship

It takes a community to run an Accelerator effectively. Through Special Event Sponsorship, our community has the opportunity to invest in promising, innovative companies that have a dual-use solution to a USSF or USAF space-related challenge. There are four sponsorship opportunities available:

Bronze (2 Available): Snack sponsor- Corporate Sponsors donate $1,500 to the Accelerator program and receive the following benefits:

• Company logo posted on the Hyperspace Challenge event page
• Sponsorship signage during the snack

Silver (2 Available): Breakfast Sponsor- Corporate Sponsors donate $2,500 to the Accelerator program and receive the following benefits:

• Company logo posted on the Hyperspace Challenge event page
• 1-social media company recognition post leading up to the event on three accounts
• Sponsorship signage during breakfast
• 2-min presentation during the sponsored special event. (will include guests from industry, academia, and government)

Gold (2 Available): Lunch Sponsor- Corporate Sponsors donate $4,500 to the Accelerator program and receive the following benefits:

• Company logo posted on the Hyperspace Challenge event page
• 3-social media company recognition posts leading up to the event on three accounts
• Sponsorship signage during lunch
• 2-min presentation during the sponsored special event. (will include guests from industry, academia, and government)

Platinum (2 Available): Happy Hour Sponsor- Corporate Sponsors donate $10,000 to the Accelerator program and receive the following benefits:

• Company logo posted on the Hyperspace Challenge event page
• Company logo posted on the Hyperspace Challenge main page for six (6) months following the event.
• 3-social media company recognition posts leading up to the event on three accounts
• Sponsorship signage at the Happy Hour
• 5-min presentation during the sponsored special event. (will include guests from industry, academia, and government)

Visibility of Corporate Sponsor

Hyperspace Challenge has a database of over 4,000 contacts, and over 1,500 social media followers. Through your sponsorship, your company will have increased visibility with the following sectors:

• Department of Defense and other US government entities
• Start-ups, small businesses and mid-sized/large established companies
• Defense contractors and industry leaders
• Investors
• Academia
• Additional non-profits

Next Steps

Thanks so much for considering this very important role in our accelerator program. To begin the process, fill out the form to let Kelly Stafford know you are interested , your sponsorship point of contact. She will guide you through the next steps in the process.