SpaceWERX’S Hyperspace Challenge Seeks SBIR Phase II Innovators to Support Advancement of USSF's Operational Test and Training Infrastructure Published Aug. 28, 2025 By SSC Public Affairs Applications are open for companies with cutting-edge technologies that are uniquely positioned to solve real-world operational challenges in national security and space. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) SpaceWERX, in support of U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command's (SSC) Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Program Executive Office, has announced the launch of its Hyperspace Challenge 2025 program. The initiative is calling for companies with a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award to participate in helping advance modeling and simulation capabilities. “OTTI looks forward to working with SPACEWERX on the Hyperspace Challenge,” said USSF Col. Corey Klopstein, SSC Program Executive Officer for OTTI. “The Hyperspace Challenge supports our ongoing efforts to improve Space Force readiness by making the Guardian training environment more realistic and improving the test environment in which we validate future space system performance.” The Hyperspace Challenge team is seeking innovations in three critical areas that will support OTTI needs: Data processing and integration: Enterprise-scale systems for secure, reliable, and scalable processing, storage, integration, and dissemination of data from multiple domains and agencies. Pattern of Life (PoL) characterization tools: Near-real-time data collection and analysis to identify trends for red and blue assets, assess space and ground system operational capabilities, and forecast potential satellite maneuvers. Digital twins: Rapidly produced, tested, and validated models that replicate all physical and operational aspects of satellites, ground stations, and network infrastructures, with the ability to operate across multiple security levels. “The Hyperspace Challenge taps into our pipeline of innovators who are already pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Matthew Blackford, SpaceWERX portfolio management team. “By engaging Phase II companies, we’re supporting solutions that can transition quickly from concept to operational impact tackling real-world challenges faced by the USSF.” Participants will take part in a structured virtual program in October 2025 that will include six to ten webinars, multiple one-on-one meetings with government and industry experts, and a full-day in-person collider event in Albuquerque, NM from Nov. 5-6, 2025. Who Should Apply Applications are open to space and aerospace companies with relevant or adjacent technologies, as well as companies outside traditional space industries that have applicable solutions from fields such as simulation, augmented reality, mixed reality, and virtual reality. We are seeking companies with cutting-edge technologies that are uniquely positioned to solve real-world operational challenges in national security and space. To participate, companies must be categorized as a small business and have a Phase II SBIR contract from any U.S. government organization—either within six months of completion or no more than two years post-award. Additional eligibility requirements are available on the application site. How to Apply Applications will open on Aug. 27, 2025, and must be completed by Sept. 16, 2025, through the program’s application platform. Participation does not guarantee financial investment or contracts, but it provides direct access to government end users, targeted mentorship and resources to accelerate technology deployment. Visit https://www.hyperspacechallenge.com/2025-fall-challenge-page/ to start your application process. Have questions? Contact the Hyperspace Team at contact@hyperspacechallenge.com. About Hyperspace Challenge Hyperspace Challenge, created by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and CNM Ingenuity, is where innovators, researchers, and government leaders come together to solve the space sector’s toughest challenges. Since 2018, its expert-led programs have connected agencies with cutting-edge technologies and solutions through targeted training, purposeful networking, and collaboration with the space industry’s top talent. The accelerator, which is now directed by CNM Ingenuity in conjunction with AFRL and the U.S. Space Force, cultivates networks in an innovation ecosystem prioritizing connection and community. To date, the accelerator has supported over 60 small businesses and universities from across the U.S. and abroad. To learn more, visit https://www.hyperspacechallenge.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn. About SpaceWERX As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in Aug. 2021, SpaceWERX has awarded over 1,470 contracts worth more than $1.46 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: spacewerx.us. Media Contact: Natalie Rizk RiotMind natalier@theriotmind.agency