US Space Force University Consortium awards new tech institutes, spotlights major transition successes Published March 4, 2026 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The United States Space Force, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory, has awarded cooperative agreements to two university-led teams for advanced remote sensing research under the Space Strategic Technology Institute 4. Rice University and the University of Arizona led the teams, which were awarded the agreements Feb. 5 and March 3, respectively. This announcement, valued at up to $16 million over 3½ years, is the fourth in a series of solicitations by the USSF University Consortium. The program aims to create revolutionary technologies by partnering with academic teams to accelerate their transition into practical applications for the U.S. Space Force. “Innovation in the space industry is thriving, but the foundation for that innovation lies in academia,” said Dr. Stacie Williams, chief science officer of the Space Force. “Through the University Consortium, the Space Force matures promising basic research into applied research programs targeted on driving Space Force capability needs. By continuing to support and collaborate with academic institutions, the United States can ensure it remains at the forefront of technological advancement and global leadership in the increasingly contested domain of space.” The program has already yielded significant technological and commercial transitions over the last two years. These successes include: A $36 million commercial contract awarded to Axiom by Texas A&M University's in-space operations team. A subsequent $6 million contract to Axiom, building on technology developed by the University of Texas-Austin. Two Direct-to-Phase-II Small Business Innovation Research awards totaling $2.5 million for the University of Michigan’s advanced space power and propulsion team. Multiple smaller technology transitions valued at $150,000 facilitated by the University of Colorado Boulder team. These achievements have resulted in U.S. produced hardware for the upcoming Axiom space station, introduced advanced propulsion technology to the commercial market, and enhanced existing Space Force algorithms. “The mission of the University Consortium is to link universities with Space Force research and transition opportunities, share key problem focus areas with consortium members, and promote collaboration – both among member universities and between academia, government and industry,” said Joshua Carlson, the University Consortium program manager. “This University Consortium represents a strategic investment in our nation's security and economic prosperity,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Claude, Director of Task Force Futures and mobilization assistant to the chief of space operations, praising the collaboration. “We are not just developing cutting-edge technology; we are building a stronger, more innovative American space industry.”