Vaya Space Selected for $1.2M AFWERX Phase II Contract to Advance Hypersonic Propulsion

Vaya Space announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase II in the amount of $1,236,406 focused on the development of the Hybrid-Fueled Ramjet, a throttleable and restartable hypersonic missile propulsion system, to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded, and now on July 9, 2025, Vaya Space will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

"This Phase II award represents a significant advancement in hypersonic propulsion and a strong vote of confidence in Vaya's hybrid technology. Our Hybrid-Fueled Ramjet introduces a new class of adaptable missile propulsion; combining throttleability, restart capability, and mission-tailorable thrust to meet the dynamic demands of modern defense. We're proud to help shape the future of strategic capability for the United States," stated Vaya Space Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lowdermilk.