Metis is pleased to share its partnership as a subcontractor to KBR on the Advanced Space Technology Research and Optimization (ASTRO) contract, awarded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The ASTRO contract is a cost plus fixed-fee, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award to KBR with a ceiling value of $176 million.
Through this contract, Metis will provide critical research and development (R&D) support to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities. The ASTRO program mission includes conducting advanced research in optical and computing technologies to improve the monitoring, tracking, and protection of orbital assets. This work will primarily be performed through the Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS), a key component of the nation’s SSA/SDA infrastructure.
In addition to R&D, Metis will provide operational support by overseeing activities at the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC). These efforts include real-time tracking and identification of space objects, ranging from satellites to orbital debris, ensuring accuracy, safety, and security of space operations. This work will take place at the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing (AMOS) site, operated by AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate and the 15th Surveillance Squadron of the U.S. Space Force.
This collaboration with KBR and AFRL represents a significant milestone for Metis as the company expands its footprint in Hawaii and deepens its support of critical national security missions. By contributing our expertise in R&D, data analysis, and system optimization, Metis will help enhance the nation’s SSA/SDA capabilities and ensure the continued safety, security, and sustainability of operations in space.