Space Force Awards $981M NITE-STAR Contract to 15 Firms for Range Modernization

The U.S. Space Force has selected 15 companies to modernize its test and training capabilities through the NITE-STAR program. This initiative aims to ensure the military maintains a technical edge in an increasingly contested space domain by upgrading critical infrastructure.

Formally titled the National Space Test and Training Complex Innovative Technology and Engineering - Space Test and Range Capability Development, the program is structured as a multi-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The contract carries a shared ceiling of $981 million. Among the selected firms is Parsons Corporation, which, along with 14 other companies, is now eligible to compete for specific task orders covering engineering services and technology modernization across both live and virtual environments.

Modernizing the Space Range

This procurement arrives as the Space Force aggressively updates infrastructure to keep pace with evolving orbital threats. NITE-STAR focuses specifically on engineering services for test, evaluation, and training operations. By utilizing an IDIQ structure, the Space Force can bypass the need to initiate a new procurement process for every individual requirement, allowing it to rapidly task specialized firms to deliver technical solutions as needs arise.

A Diversified Industrial Base

This award represents a strategic shift in how the military sources space capabilities. The roster of eligible companies blends traditional government services providers, such as CACI and Parsons, with commercial innovators like Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace. By integrating these diverse players, the Space Force is attempting to bridge the gap between legacy defense systems and the rapid iteration cycles of the commercial space sector.

Long-Term Implications

For the selected companies, the contract provides a stable pipeline of potential revenue over a 10-year span. However, because the $981 million ceiling is shared, the actual financial payout for any single firm depends on its ability to win individual task orders against its peers. This competitive internal structure ensures the government can leverage the best specific expertise for each unique engineering challenge.

What to Watch

Industry observers will now monitor the rollout of the first task orders to see which firms secure the most significant portions of the funding. While the overarching goal of NITE-STAR is clear, the specific technical milestones for the modernization of the National Space Test and Training Complex will be detailed as the program moves into its execution phase.