SPEAR-1 MISSION

Advancing Critical Space Technologies for National Security

Three small spacecrafts in low Earth orbit above a blue planet, showcasing advanced space technology.
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The SPEAR-1 Mission (Space Power and Energy Advanced Recon) is an In-Space Development and Test (ISDT) spacecraft designed to accelerate the transition of next-generation space technologies from research to operational rediness. By enabling rapid maturation of power systems, communications, space domain awareness tools, and resilient satellite architectures, SPEAR-1 directly supports U.S. national security and strengthens technological readiness in contested space environments.

The program is funded and managed by the Operational Energy Prototyping Fund (OEPF) under the Department of Defense and executed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), with technical oversight from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC). This collaboration ensures that cutting-edge technologies can be validated and fielded faster, strengthening U.S. leadership in space.

Built on the proven heritage of NearSpace Launch’s commercial TROOP (Train Rapid on Orbit Payloads) platform, SPEAR-1 provides a reliable, flexible on-orbit testbed for demonstrating critical capabilities at accelerated timelines.

A breakaway CAD drawing of a spacecraft structure with four designated payload slots labeled as Payload 1, Payload 2, Payload 3, and Payload 4.

TROOP enables rapid, repeatable testing of systems and subsystems enabling cost effective means of getting research into space. This makes TROOP perfect for sensor testing or any variety of commercial and government missions. TROOP provides all vital flight components (EPS, EyeStar radio, battery, flight processor, etc.) allowing you to focus on your payload.

NSL provides a payload emulator allowing you to ensure integration of your payload to the BUS. Then, because of the onboard EyeStar S4, you have access to your payload data 24/7 via the NSL Console.

The figure shows a breakaway CAD drawing of each of the four (4) payload slots. Customers can purchase one (1) or multiple slots per TROOP mission. 

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NearSpace Launch (NSL) is proud to partner with OEPF, NRL, and SSC to design, build, and deliver the SPEAR-1 spacecraft. With more than a decade of flight heritage and over 1,000 systems and subsystems operating on orbit, NSL brings unmatched speed, reliability, and mission assurance to national security programs.

“NSL is uniquely positioned to rapidly mature, test, and deploy advanced technologies that directly enhance mission assurance and national security.”
— Matthew Voss, President of NearSpace Launch

NSL’s established portfolio—including innovations such as the Black Box mission-assurance system and EyeStar satellite radios—provides SPEAR-1 with proven communication, telemetry, and oversight capabilities essential for high-stakes national security missions.

The award of SPEAR-1 reflects NSL’s expanding role in delivering rapid, resilient, and cost-effective space solutions for government partners.