# NASA Awards Viridian VLEO Research Contract

On September 30, 2026, NASA awarded Viridian Space a **$225,000 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract** to work with the University of Washington on simulations and design of aerodynamic control surfaces for satellites operating in very low Earth orbit (VLEO). The research targets satellite maneuverability in an orbital environment where aerodynamic effects matter, and offers procurement professionals a concrete example of NASA using STTR to support small-business-led, university-collaborative technology development.

- The award centers on simulation and design of VLEO satellite control surfaces; no contract number, performance period, or procurement contact is provided.
- Aerospace contractors and research institutions with relevant satellite-controls or simulation capabilities can use the award as an example of the small-business and university collaboration supported through NASA’s STTR mechanism.
- Small businesses pursuing comparable work can assess whether their technical capabilities and research-institution relationships align with NASA STTR opportunities.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

### Vendors
- Viridian Space (awardee)
- University of Washington (research collaborator)

### Sources
- [Viridian wins NASA contract to explore aerodynamic control surfaces for VLEO operations https://t.co/WbpYXxmk7e https://t.co/OusTJm7U1W](https://x.com/SpaceNews_Inc/status/2105342658377859123) - twitter-agency