Space Systems Command and Microsoft will continue to develop and deploy an augmented reality space simulation platform in support of U.S. Space Force missions under a renewed partnership. The Integrated, Immersive, Intelligent Environment is built on an Azure cloud infrastructure and is powered by Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets designed to enable users to see and interact with satellites and other orbital objects in a scaled space environment, SSC said Friday in a press release received by Executive Mosaic.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun seeking solicitations for a potential $499 million follow-on indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to research, integrate, develop and support the service branch's geospatial systems and services. A notice posted Friday on SAM.gov states that the GRIDS IV contract will have an ordering period of five years and covers the provision of technical expertise to help the Army Geospatial Center coordinate, integrate and synchronize geospatial data standards and requirements.

Arlington Capital Partners has launched Kinetic Engine Systems as the Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm's new platform company focused on producing precision aerospace and defense engine components. Arlington said Thursday it formed Kinetic Engine Systems by combining the engine assets of its portfolio company Cadence Aerospace with newly acquired companies: Walbar Engine Components, AeroCision and Numet Machining Techniques.

Sidus Space has secured a Tier 1 remote sensing license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, authorizing the space and data-as-a-service company to have panchromatic and shortwave infrared imaging capabilities. LizzieSat and subsequent iteration of the satellite are covered by the NOAA license and will be used to provide government and commercial customers with images and data services, the company said Wednesday.

Sidus Space has secured a Tier 1 remote sensing license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, authorizing the space and data-as-a-service company to have panchromatic and shortwave infrared imaging capabilities. LizzieSat and subsequent iteration of the satellite are covered by the NOAA license and will be used to provide government and commercial customers with images and data services, the company said Wednesday.

Orion Space Solutions will commence the design assembly, integration and testing of a small spacecraft constellation designed to support the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory's Tetra-5 program following the conclusion of the critical design review process. Under the Tetra-5 program, Orion is building three small satellites to operate in geostationary Earth orbit for a two-year mission to demonstrate multi-agent autonomous docking capabilities for on-orbit refueling, the company said Tuesday.

The Potomac Officers Club will host the 2024 Space Summit on March 5. Register now.

Mike Gruver has taken on a new role at precision motion control products developer Moog. Gruver announced Wednesday on LinkedIn that he has been appointed vice president of the defense division within Moog's space and defense group.

Client Solution Architects has undergone an audit that verified its continuing compliance with three standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization. CSA said Friday that it has received recertification for ISO standards on IT service reliability and efficiency, compliance with information security management best practices and the maintenance of quality management systems.

The U.S. Space Force has started soliciting industry information as it works to determine the acquisition strategy for a new contract vehicle to support training and operations across the Space Operations Command's portfolio of missions. Responses are due Jan. 29.

Hear government leaders, space experts and industry executives discuss the latest space technologies, commercial investments and urgent issues facing the space domain at the Potomac Officers Club's 2024 Space Summit on March 5. Register here.

Paul Selva, a retired U.S. Air Force general, and retired space executive David Thompson have been appointed chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the board of trustees at The Aerospace Corp. Selva succeeds Stephanie O'Sullivan, who concluded her term on the board, while Thompson replaces Selva in the vice chairman role, the nonprofit corporation said Thursday.

NASA has chosen Ball Aerospace to initiate the first phase of a mission aimed at expanding the scientific community’s knowledge about the sun's middle coronal structure. Under the contract, the company said Monday it will conduct a conceptual study for the space agency's proposed Extreme ultraviolet Coronal Mass Ejection and Coronal Connectivity Observatory mission.

Cloud is the key digital revolution component that will keep companies, governments and organizations competitive and relevant in the future of geospatial IT, said Clint Crosier, director of aerospace and satellite at Amazon Web Services. In an interview with Geospatial World, Crosier discussed the symbiotic relationship of artificial intelligence and cloud technology and how their processing of data can impact civilian and government decisions that affect daily life.