NEWS

ExLabs Awarded Space Force Contract to Advance Persistent In-Space Infrastructure

Modular spacecraft platform will support the U.S. Space Force’s next-generation on-orbit capabilities

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Long Beach, CA – [DATE] — Exploration Laboratories (ExLabs) has been awarded a Direct-to-Phase II contract by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to advance its next-generation spacecraft platform, SERVSAM. The effort supports the Department of Defense’s expanding interest in modular, persistent infrastructure to accelerate in-space operations.

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Built on ExLabs’ core SERV architecture, SERVSAM is a heavy-class, reconfigurable spacecraft designed for flexible mission profiles in all orbital regimes. This platform will serve as a foundation for a range of future capabilities that align with national security space priorities.

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“We’re developing adaptable infrastructure designed to meet the evolving demands of space operations,” said Matthew Schmidgall, CEO of ExLabs. “As mission tempo increases, dual-use commercial platforms will be key to maintaining strategic advantage.”

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The program builds on ExLabs’ growing portfolio of public-private partnerships and complements its ongoing work on advanced in-space robotics, supported by a TACFI and other contracts. The contract underscores the increasing role of commercial innovation in delivering responsive space systems to government partners.

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“The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.”

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About ExLabs

ExLabs is pioneering scalable, modular spacecraft platforms that expand humanity’s operational reach from LEO to deep space. Through innovative architectures, advanced manufacturing, and strategic partnerships, ExLabs delivers affordable, high-power spacecraft for commercial, defense, and scientific missions. The company’s SERV platform underpins missions from planetary defense (ApophisExL) to ISAM operations (SERVSAM), redefining the economics and capabilities of space infrastructure.

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Learn more at https://exlabs.space/

ExLabs Press Contact: 

press@exlabs.space

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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.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

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