Benchmark has been selected by SpaceWERX for an SBIR Direct-to-Phase II contract in the amount of $3M, focused on the development of High-Energy Logistics Stage (HELS) in response to the Tactical High Orbit Fast Transfer (THOFT) solicitation, to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now, since June 26, 2025, Benchmark begins its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
“This award allows us to mature HELS as a flexible orbital maneuvering asset, building on our propulsion heritage to meet emerging mission needs in high-energy space environments. HELS will be designed to rapidly transfer ESPA-class spacecraft beyond LEO within hours,” said Ryan McDevitt, Chief Technology Officer at Benchmark Space Systems.
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.
About Benchmark Space Systems
Benchmark is a trusted space logistics solutions partner supporting missions from initial concept planning through asset decommission from LEO to the moon. Combining mission experience, heritage propulsion products and advanced control systems, Benchmark delivers unparalleled in-space mobility solutions for the dynamic space era. Benchmark offers a wide array of non-toxic propulsion products, customized propulsion systems, and dedicated mobility solutions enabling space access and maneuvering to meet your mission needs. High-volume production capacity, vertically integrated manufacturing, and a seasoned team of propulsion experts ensure reliable performance backed by decades of system design, development, qualification, and delivery experience. Committed to building a sustainable, secure, and accessible space ecosystem, Benchmark enables resilient, tactically responsive mobility in support of commercial, civil, and defense partners across the industry. To learn more, visit BenchmarkSpaceSystems.com.
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 320 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, or AFRL, 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 forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around 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.