Agile Space, Antares Nuclear among 11 firms funded by SpaceWERX

The U.S. Space Force is investing in technologies planned for use two years from now through its Strategic Funding Increase program, with $245 million in matching private capital supplementing this cycle’s awards. Among the 11 companies selected in Program Year 2026 is Antares Nuclear Inc., indicating exploration of nuclear technologies for potential space applications.

“STRATFI is a critical tool for the Space Force to signal demand to industry and private investors,” said Arthur Grijalva, SpaceWERX director, explaining that the program aims to rapidly scale innovative capabilities from prototype to demonstrable technology. These selections represent a $562.5 million investment intended to reduce the risk associated with technologies and empower small businesses.

SpaceWERX Partnerships Accelerate Small Business Innovation to Capability

Private investment significantly bolstered the latest round of Space Force funding, with $245 million in matching capital accompanying the $562.5 million total allocated through the Strategic Funding Increase program. This demonstrates industry confidence in the selected technologies and reduces development risk beyond direct government expenditure. SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force, awarded funding to 11 companies following successful Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II efforts.

This investment focuses not on immediate requirements, but on technologies planned for deployment two years out, allowing for proactive capability development. Each company will now finalize contract terms and work toward maturing its technology for potential transition into operational use. SpaceWERX awarded over 300 contracts totaling $510 million in fiscal year 2025, further establishing its role in accelerating commercial space technologies.