Space Force selects 15 companies for $981M test and training initiative

August 26, 2026

The U.S. Space Force has selected 15 companies to compete for task orders supporting a new initiative to expand its live and simulated test and training capabilities.

Space Systems Command established a $981 million ceiling July 31 for the 10-year National Space Test and Training Complex Innovative Technology and Engineering — Space Test and Range (NITE-STAR) program. The program is designed to provide infrastructure needed to prepare Guardians for increasingly contested space environments.

NITE-STAR task orders could support ground-based training environments, simulators, satellites and instrumentation, as well as a future live, on-orbit training range.

The selected companies are Amentum Technology, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Firefly Aerospace, CACI, Pacific Crest Alliance, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, Viasat, York Space Systems, L3Harris Technologies, Parsons Government Services, Redwire Space Systems, Rocket Lab and Boeing.

The effort represents a shift from the Space Force’s recent reliance on smaller contracts awarded quickly to address immediate training needs. Officials said the approach has helped deliver capabilities quickly but is not sustainable as a long-term strategy.

Training infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, commander of Combat Forces Command, said last year that roughly 40% of his units lacked realistic trainers. The service has prioritized simulators for missions including orbital warfare, intelligence, space domain awareness and electronic warfare.

NITE-STAR is intended to establish a larger contractor pool and provide a foundation for continuously integrating new technologies into Space Force test and training capabilities.

For Central Florida’s modeling and simulation community, the initiative highlights the growing demand for high-fidelity simulation and training capabilities as the Space Force prepares Guardians for complex operations.

Read the full article for additional details on NITE-STAR and the companies selected.