Ducommun’s subsidiary Miltec has been awarded a contract to supply Plug-And-Play (PNP) spacecraft technologies to the US Air Force Research Laboratory ( AFRL).

The first task under the deal is to carry out an architecture study and a demonstration phase to support the development of an advanced PNP spacecraft architecture.

AFRL’s Advanced PNP Spacecraft Technologies Program is carrying out research, development and design to support PNP technology development including satellite buses, components, payloads as well as flight and ground software.

The five-year contract, with a ceiling value of $200m, has been awarded by AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate.

Ducommun expects a subsequent task order to include the development of an advanced PNP spacecraft demonstration bus.