Varda Space Industries, SCOUT and Neutron Star Systems were the top three startups in the 2021 Hyperspace Challenge

Space industry startups focused on satellite propulsion, in-orbit manufacturing and debris tracking won prize money from a business accelerator funded by the U.S. Space Force.

The accelerator known as Hyperspace Challenge, run by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Space Force’s SpaceWERX program, announced Dec. 2 that Varda Space Industries, SCOUT and Neutron Star Systems received $25,000 (first place), $15,000 (second place), and $10,000 (third place), respectively. 

In addition to prize money, the companies get access to government mentors and insight on future contract opportunities. Thirteen startups competed for the 2021 awards.