> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # πŸš€ Space and Defense #9 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/space-and-defense-9/ - Published: 2024-09-23T11:30:14.000Z - Updated: 2024-10-17T08:15:07.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Space and Defense Newsletter covers the latest developments in autonomous defense tech, space - defense comms, and space tech advancements and looks at the top space deals. - Author: QS - Tags: Advanced Manufacturing **Happy Monday πŸ‘‹** Autonomous defense tech, space-defense communications, and space tech advancements in satellites were the major highlights of the past week. Raytheon [secured](https://thedefensepost.com/2024/09/16/us-raytheon-amraam-missiles/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) a $1.19B contract for AMRAAM missile production, Anduril’s Barracuda family [offers](https://defence-blog.com/anduril-develops-low-cost-barracuda-missiles/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) scalable Autonomous Air Vehicles for warfare, and Draganfly [launched](https://www.defenseadvancement.com/news/new-compact-surveillance-drone-launched-for-military-law-enforcement/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) the APEX Drone for military and law enforcement. Northrop Grumman [received](https://tlpnetwork.com/news/military/northrop-grumman-secures-us-air-force-contract-for-satellite-communications-antennas?ref=newsletters.qs.com) a $54.7M contract for satellite communication antennas, and Intuitive Machines will [build](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/intuitive-machines-lands-4-8b-nasa-contract-to-build-earth-moon-communications-infrastructure/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) NASA's $4.82B lunar satellite constellation. The US Space Force [awarded](https://spacenews.com/space-force-awards-45-million-to-universities-for-propulsion-and-power-research/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) $45M to universities for space power research, while MDA Space is [expanding](https://www.satellitetoday.com/manufacturing/2024/09/13/mda-space-to-double-satellite-manufacturing-capability-in-quebec/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) its Quebec satellite facility. Convergint [acquired](https://securityjournalamericas.com/midwest-esscoe-acquired-by-convergint/%5C?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Esscoe and Ranger Fire and Security [acquired](https://www.facilitatemagazine.com/content/news/2024/09/16/ranger-fire-and-security-acquires-fire-door-specialists?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Fire Door Specialists. ## **🚁** Autonomous Defense Tech **πŸ”§ Raytheon Technologies received a \~$1B contract modification from the US Department of Defense.** The contract includes spares, and telemetry systems, and involves multiple international partners, for additional AMRAAM [missile production](https://thedefensepost.com/2024/09/16/us-raytheon-amraam-missiles/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) with completion expected by December 2028. **πŸ’₯ Anduril Industries' Barracuda family of Autonomous Air Vehicles (AAVs) is offering a scalable, affordable solution to modern warfare.** With three models, Barracuda-100, -250, and -500, it addresses the gap in [precision-guided munitions](https://defence-blog.com/anduril-develops-low-cost-barracuda-missiles/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) through modular, software-defined, and autonomous capabilities. **✈️ Draganfly Inc. launched the APEX Drone, designed for military and law enforcement surveillance.** With a 45-minute flight time, 5-pound payload capacity, and advanced AI capabilities, it offers portability, modularity, and [reliable communication](https://www.defenseadvancement.com/news/new-compact-surveillance-drone-launched-for-military-law-enforcement/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for mission-critical operations. ## **✨** Space - Defense Comms **πŸ›°οΈ Northrop Grumman received a $54.7M contract to develop advanced satellite communications antennas for military aircraft.** This three-year project supports the DEUCSI program, modernizing military communications across land, sea, and air operations, and [enhancing connectivity](https://tlpnetwork.com/news/military/northrop-grumman-secures-us-air-force-contract-for-satellite-communications-antennas?ref=newsletters.qs.com) through commercial space internet constellations. **πŸš€ NASA awarded Intuitive Machines a contract to build a lunar satellite constellation for continuous communication and navigation services.** The contract, worth up to $4.82B, supports NASA's lunar missions, enabling data transmission [beyond direct line of sight](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/intuitive-machines-lands-4-8b-nasa-contract-to-build-earth-moon-communications-infrastructure/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) with Earth. **πŸ“‘ The Space Development Agency is enhancing satellite communications in its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture**. With demonstrations showing sustained optical links between SpaceX-built satellites, there will be upcoming launches for Tranche 1 therefore further [enhancing military capabilities](https://www.defensedaily.com/sda-marks-further-progress-with-space-based-optical-communications/space/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). ## **🌌** Space Tech Advancements **⚑ The US Space Force awarded $45M to the University of Michigan and Rochester Institute of Technology for advanced research in space power and propulsion.** This initiative, part of the Space Force’s University Consortium, aims to [develop technologies](https://spacenews.com/space-force-awards-45-million-to-universities-for-propulsion-and-power-research/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in solar cells, thrusters, and power systems while fostering space sector expertise. **πŸ“‘ Intelsat partnered with Greenerwave to develop multi-orbit satellite communication terminals for commercial aviation, government, and mobility sectors by 2025\.** The partnership aims to enhance competitiveness against Starlink by offering [broader connectivity](https://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2024/09/16/intelsat-invests-in-multi-orbit-terminal-strategy-with-greenerwave/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) options across various industries. **🏒 MDA Space plans to expand its Quebec satellite facility by 185,000 square feet.** The new plant, operational by late 2025, will [enhance Telesat Lightspeed](https://www.satellitetoday.com/manufacturing/2024/09/13/mda-space-to-double-satellite-manufacturing-capability-in-quebec/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) production, produce up to two satellites daily, and add 600 jobs. ## πŸ’°Space Deals **πŸ”₯ Convergint** acquired **Esscoe**, a company that provides security and fire safety systems, for an [undisclosed amount](https://securityjournalamericas.com/midwest-esscoe-acquired-by-convergint/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to accelerate its growth across the Midwestern US and added more than 80 local employees. **πŸšͺ Ranger Fire and Security** acquired **Fire Door Specialists**, a company based in Nottinghamshire that specializes in fire doors for an [undisclosed amount](https://www.facilitatemagazine.com/content/news/2024/09/16/ranger-fire-and-security-acquires-fire-door-specialists?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to offer a full range of services and created substantial prospects for cross-selling. --- **Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com [ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)