Xairos Awarded Innovative Direct-to-Phase II SBIR Contract
Xairos Systems, Inc. is excited to announce that it has been awarded a Direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by SpaceWERX, amounting to $1.9 million. This project focuses on developing a groundbreaking Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system that integrates quantum and optical synchronization of clock ensembles, aimed at solving urgent challenges for the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
Collaboration With Industry Leaders
In this project, Xairos is collaborating with esteemed partners like Luminous Cyber Corporation and Eritek Inc. Together, they have successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), marking a significant milestone in their development journey.
The Role of SpaceWERX
SpaceWERX, the innovation division of the U.S. Space Force, has been instrumental in expediting the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes. By streamlining these programs, SpaceWERX accelerates the experiences of small businesses, facilitating faster transitions from proposal to award while minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.
Expanding the Scope of Innovation
Since its inception in 2018, the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program has expanded the variety of innovations the DAF supports. Xairos is at the forefront of developing advanced capabilities under this program, significantly contributing to the national defense of the United States.
Addressing Critical Needs
David Mitlyng, the CEO of Xairos, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity this contract presents. “This program allows us to tackle a critical requirement for secure PNT and communications in GPS-denied environments, particularly relevant for the Alt-PNT Challenge,” he stated. The integration of Quantum Time Transfer (QTT) with Luminous Cyber’s unique clock ensemble and Eritek’s cutting-edge optical communications terminal is a strategic move towards demonstrating a deployable terminal crucial for creating a robust global timing network.
About Xairos
Xairos is pioneering the development of a resilient global space-based timing architecture using Quantum Time Transfer (QTT), which is a proprietary technology developed by their expert team. The necessity for accurate timing synchronization touches many critical sectors, including transportation, networking, financial sectors, data centers, and power grids. With QTT, Xairos aims to provide sub-nanosecond-level accuracy—1000 times better than current technologies—while ensuring security for future applications and networks.
About SpaceWERX
Acting as the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force, SpaceWERX plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration with innovators to push capabilities and shape the future of space technology. With a headquarters in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX manages an annual budget of $457 million and involves 40 military, civilian, and contractor personnel.
Commitment to Strengthening Defense
Since aligning under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in 2021, SpaceWERX has achieved remarkable success. It has executed over 1106 contracts with a total value exceeding $897 million, all aimed at reinforcing the U.S. defense industrial base and facilitating quicker technology transitions to operational use.
About AFWERX
AFWERX acts as the innovation branch within the DAF, bridging cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses to address pressing challenges in defense. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 370 personnel and operating with an annual budget of $1.4 billion, AFWERX has significantly contributed to national defense by executing over 6,200 contracts valued at more than $4.7 billion since 2019.
About the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
As the primary scientific research entity for the DAF, the AFRL is essential in spearheading advancements in affordable warfighting technologies across air, space, and cyberspace. With a diverse workforce exceeding 12,500 across 40 global operations, AFRL drives innovation across key technology domains from foundational research to advanced development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the contract awarded to Xairos?
The contract aims to develop a fusion Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system that incorporates quantum and optical synchronization of clock ensembles.
Who are the partners collaborating with Xairos in this project?
Xairos is collaborating with Luminous Cyber Corporation and Eritek Inc. as part of this initiative.
How does SpaceWERX contribute to small businesses?
SpaceWERX streamlines the SBIR and STTR processes, facilitating a quicker transition from proposal to award for small businesses.
What is Quantum Time Transfer (QTT)?
Quantum Time Transfer (QTT) is a protocol developed by Xairos that ensures precise synchronization of timing critical for various technological applications.
What role does AFWERX play in the DAF?
AFWERX drives innovative solutions from small businesses to meet critical defense challenges, effectively bridging gaps in technology for the DAF.
