The accumulation of space debris poses a significant threat to both military and civilian space operations. In response to this growing concern, the U.S. Space Force has initiated the Orbital Prime program, aiming to accelerate the development of technologies for On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM), with a particular focus on Active Debris Removal (ADR). In June 2023, BMNT, a government innovation and transformation company, secured a contract to support this initiative through its accelerator, H4XLabs. ([](
BMNT's Role in the Orbital Prime Initiative
BMNT's accelerator, H4XLabs, is dedicated to leveraging commercial innovation to address government challenges, particularly by engaging emerging businesses and startups. Under the new contract, BMNT will assist companies involved in the Orbital Prime Initiative in securing investment and bringing their technologies to market, including those related to orbital manufacturing and space debris removal. ([](
The Orbital Prime Program
Launched by SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force, the Orbital Prime program aims to stimulate the commercial market for OSAM/ISAM technologies. These technologies are intended to extend the life of existing space resources, such as satellites, and to address the growing issue of space debris. The program has provided funding for over 100 small businesses and startups developing technologies for spacecraft to engage with on-orbit support vehicles for services such as refueling, maintenance, and debris removal. ([](
BMNT's Previous Engagements in Space Innovation
Prior to this contract, BMNT had been involved in several space-centric initiatives. In January 2023, BMNT was awarded a 3.5-year contract to grow NASA’s Early Stage Innovation Program (ESIP), marking its third space-centric mission acceleration effort. This program aims to engage innovative small businesses, especially those new to NASA and those with women and minority founders and investors, to accelerate NASA missions and grow the U.S. economy. ([](
Impact on the Space Industry
The collaboration between BMNT and the U.S. Space Force is expected to accelerate the commercialization of ADR technologies, addressing the critical issue of space debris. By leveraging private sector innovation, the initiative aims to fill capability gaps in governmental agencies and stimulate industry investment to grow the Space Logistics market. ([](
Conclusion
BMNT's involvement in the Orbital Prime program underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing space technology. By supporting startups and emerging businesses, BMNT is playing a crucial role in developing solutions to mitigate space debris, thereby enhancing the sustainability and safety of space operations.