Machine Nation News Team
July 2, 2025 at 10:45:56 AM
The U.S. Space Force Has Awarded Astrion’s Axient Subsidiary A Position On The Second Iteration Of The Space Test Experiments
The U.S. Space Force awarded Astrion’s Axient subsidiary a position on the second iteration of the Space Test Experiments (STEP) 2.0 program, a 10-year, $237 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, on June 18, 2025. Axient, one of 12 awardees, will compete for task orders to design and deploy modular satellites with experimental payloads, enabling in-orbit testing of emerging technologies like CubeSats for resilient GPS and electromagnetic warfare. The program, building on Axient’s history with the Resilient GPS program, supports rapid integration of advanced sensors and communication systems, reducing testing costs by up to 50%. The contract sustains 200 jobs, primarily in Huntsville, Alabama, boosting the region’s 15,000-strong manufacturing workforce, and aligns with tariff-driven reshoring under President Trump’s 25% steel tariffs, targeting a $5 billion space technology market. Dan Benjamin, Astrion’s EVP and General Manager for Space, stated, “We’re proud to accelerate space innovation for national security.” Other awardees include Blue Canyon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and York Space Systems.
For the precision machining industry, the STEP 2.0 program highlights the critical role of chip formation in manufacturing satellite components. Parts like CubeSat frames require CNC milling with controlled chip formation to prevent tool clogging, achieving tolerances within ±0.0005 inches and surface roughness as low as Ra 4 µin for lightweight alloys. 5-axis milling machines, optimized for chip formation through precise feedrates, ensure efficiency in automated production with real-time quality control. The project drives demand for local machine shops to supply precision tooling, adopting Industry 4.0 technologies like AI-driven milling and additive manufacturing. As part of a $50 billion precision manufacturing market, this initiative creates opportunities for suppliers in Alabama, where manufacturing jobs grew 2% since 2022, strengthening aerospace supply chains.
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Social Media Buzz (powered by X):
X is abuzz with Astrion’s STEP 2.0 contract win, with posts from June 19, 2025, labeling it a “stellar boost for space tech.” Users celebrated the 200 jobs in Huntsville, with one declaring, “Alabama’s space scene is rocketing forward!” while another linked it to “keeping U.S. space defense strong.” Some voiced concerns over budget oversight, citing past Space Force cost overruns. The X chatter radiates excitement for cutting-edge tech but urges fiscal accountability.
What is the Chip Formation?
This is one of many key terms of our broad Machine Nation Essential Modern Precision Industries Guidebook (MPIG). Click here to get a copy straight to your inbox.
Chip Formation - The process of material removal during CNC milling, forming chips that impact tool performance, critical for maintaining precision and efficiency in component production.
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Related Tags:
#AstrionAxient #STEP2 #ChipFormation #PrecisionMachining #SatelliteManufacturing #Reshoring