Vaya Space To Advance US Defense With Hypersonic Missile Propulsion Study

Vaya Space, a space and defense company, has been selected by AFWERX for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract. This initiative focuses on enhancing A2/AD penetration using hybrid rocket ejector-ramjet (HRER) hypersonic propulsion to address critical challenges within the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have collaborated to streamline the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process. This partnership aims to accelerate the small business experience by reducing proposal-to-award timelines, expanding opportunities for small businesses, and eliminating bureaucratic overhead through continuous process improvements.

Since 2018, the DAF has offered the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program, which broadens the range of innovations funded by the DAF. On May 15, 2024, Vaya Space will commence its efforts to develop innovative capabilities that will bolster U.S. national defense.

Kevin Lowdermilk, CEO of Vaya Space, stated, "We believe that hybrid engine technology can play a critical role in hypersonic missile development, and we are excited to begin Phase 1 of this journey with the Air Force."

Kineo Wallace, Lead Propulsion Engineer at Vaya Space, added, "Airbreathing hybrids are a natural progression of our unique technology. Current solid ramjets face challenges related to reliability and consistency, which we aim to solve. Our physics-based combustion modeling techniques, combined with extensive use of additive manufacturing and composites, enable us to produce a new category of long-range and high-speed propulsion technologies."

About Vaya Space

Vaya Space is a privately owned company based on the Space Coast. The company leverages patented Vortex Hybrid engine technology to disrupt the space and defense markets. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

About Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL leads the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. With over 12,500 personnel across nine technology areas and 40 operations globally, AFRL offers a diverse portfolio ranging from fundamental research to advanced technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within AFRL, AFWERX brings American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to tackle pressing challenges of the DAF. Employing approximately 325 personnel across six hubs and sites with an annual budget of $1.4 billion, AFWERX has executed 4,697 contracts worth over $2.6 billion since 2019. These efforts aim to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and expedite technology transitions to operational capability. For more information, visit www.afwerx.com.