L3Harris developed the Navigation Satellite Technology-3 mission under an $80.4 million contract awarded in 2018 by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Credit: AFRL

SpEC is an Air Force initiative focused on rapid prototyping of spacecraft, sensors, propulsion systems, ground stations and other space-related technology and services. Since early 2017, SpEC has awarded 37 prototype projects with a total value of $206 million.

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Debra Werner is a correspondent for SpaceNews based in San Francisco. Debra earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. She is a recipient...