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February 11, 2025 | BUSINESS WIREEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Redwire Corporation, a leader in space infrastructure for the next generation space economy, announced it has been awarded a contract by Orion Space Solutions to deliver a Mako spacecraft to support Tetra-6, a U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) mission.
The Tetra-6 mission is a follow-on contract to the USSF/Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Tetra-5 mission, for which Redwire is delivering two Mako spacecraft. The Mako spacecraft for the Tetra-5 and Tetra-6 missions will be the first satellite in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) to be refueled and demonstrate compatibility with multiple available refueling mechanisms.
Tetra-5 will demonstrate key capabilities such as cooperative and prepared inspection, docking, on-orbit refueling, proximity operations, and next-generation autonomy techniques that will help to enable future on-orbit servicing capabilities, spacecraft autonomy, and sustained space maneuver. Tetra-6 will enable the USSF to demonstrate additional technological capabilities.
“Redwire now offers spacecraft platforms for missions in every orbit, from very low-Earth orbit to low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous orbit, and beyond,” said Peter Cannito, Redwire Chairman and CEO. “These platforms represent a critical capability for national security missions. By delivering versatile, cost-effective, and reliable spacecraft solutions, Redwire helps to ensure that our nation and its allies are equipped to address emerging challenges and protect vital interests in space.”
Redwire now offers five spacecraft platforms: Mako, Thresher, Hammerhead, SabreSat, and Phantom. As a trusted national security supplier, Redwire is building Mako, Thresher, and SabreSat spacecraft for multiple U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers, including missions for the USSF and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Hammerhead and Phantom are being used by the European Space Agency (ESA) for cutting-edge exploration and technology demonstration missions, including Proba-1, -2, and –V, which are currently on-orbit, and Proba-3, which launched in December 2024.
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