The U.S. Space Force is turning to a publicly listed company for their next spacecraft. But, why?

‍What’s happening:‍

• Redwire (NYSE: RDW) has won a new contract from Orion Space Solutions to deliver a Mako spacecraft for the Tetra-6 mission under the U.S. Space Force’s Space System Command
  

Why it matters:‍

• Redwire is quickly emerging as one of the most important publicly traded manufacturers of spacecraft, with significant deals with both the United States Department of Defense and the European Space Agency
  

Going deeper:‍

• The Mako spacecraft manufactured by Redwire will be the first ever satellites in geosynchronous orbit that are also capable of on-orbit refuelling, which allows satellites to continue their mission without needing to come back down to Earth in order to complete a fuel transfer
  
• The Tetra-6 mission is aiming to demonstrate extremely advanced space operations, including autonomous docking, inspection and proximity maneuverers

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