TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC)
Jondavid DuVall
Jordan Faucett
PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT
Level 2 (Self)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS
Space Platforms
MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES
Sustainment & Logistics
KEYWORDS
on-orbit sustainment; space logistics; orbital refueling; propellant transfer; in-space servicing; rendezvous and proximity operations; sustained maneuver; space mobility; depot architecture; spacecraft resilience; cislunar logistics; SDP 4-0
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Direct to Phase II topic is to accelerate the development and demonstration of prototype ready technologies that enable a complete on orbit logistics enterprise. This enterprise must support autonomous resupply, refuel, repair, recovery, and reconstitution of United States space assets across Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit, Geosynchronous Orbit, and cislunar space. The goal is to create a logistics architecture that mirrors the resilience and flexibility of terrestrial sustainment systems while adapting to the unique constraints of orbital mechanics.
The performer must demonstrate that Phase I equivalent work has already been completed. This includes feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, technical validation, and early integration planning. The Phase II effort will build upon this foundation to produce a prototype that demonstrates operational relevance, autonomous capability, and a clear pathway to transition into Space Force sustainment operations.
ITAR
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.
DESCRIPTION
Space systems today are designed for single use and lack the ability to be maintained, repaired, or resupplied once deployed. This design philosophy limits maneuverability, reduces resilience, and forces operators to conserve resources. As maneuver warfare emerges in the space domain, the United States Space Force requires a logistics backbone that provides freedom of action, operational reach, and prolonged endurance. This backbone must support rapid reconstitution, autonomous servicing, multi orbit distribution, and predictive sustainment.
The On Orbit Space Logistics Challenge seeks mature technologies that can transition directly into prototype development. These technologies must support a future in which satellites are serviced, refueled, repaired, repositioned, and recovered as part of routine operations. The D2P2 effort will focus on autonomous operations, multi orbit integration, servicing demonstrations, depot interactions, and logistics health monitoring. The performer must demonstrate how their technology contributes to a resilient logistics architecture capable of supporting sustained operations in contested environments.
This topic encourages solutions that integrate with broader Space Force concepts such as sustained space maneuver, dynamic space operations, and contested logistics. The performer must show how their technology supports mission continuity, reduces reconstitution burden, and enhances the survivability of critical space assets.
Offerors may structure their approach using one of two acceptable architectural frameworks. Both approaches are valid for early exploration and concept development, and both support the broader goal of building a resilient on orbit logistics enterprise. Offerors should select the approach that best aligns with their proposed technology, their integration pathway, and the operational problem they intend to solve.
Systems of Systems Approach
A Systems of Systems approach views the on orbit logistics enterprise as a collection of interconnected subsystems that work together to deliver sustained combat power. This perspective recognizes that no single technology can solve the logistics challenge alone. Instead, multiple systems must interact across orbital regimes, mission timelines, and operational conditions. Under this approach, the proposer describes how their technology fits within a larger architecture that includes depots, warehouses, orbital transfer vehicles, servicing vehicles, drop ships, and health monitoring systems. The feasibility study should explain how the proposed system interacts with other systems, how it contributes to distribution loops, and how it supports the overall sustainment mission. This approach is well suited for technologies that enable integration, coordination, or interoperability across multiple nodes.
A Systems of Systems framing encourages proposers to think about interfaces, standards, autonomy, and mission sequencing. It also supports early identification of dependencies, constraints, and opportunities for modularity. This approach is particularly useful for technologies that enable routing, servicing, depot operations, or multi orbit logistics planning.
Logistics Function Approach
A Logistics Function approach focuses on the specific logistics activity that the proposed technology enables. Instead of describing the entire architecture, the proposer concentrates on the function their system performs. Examples include refueling, repair, recovery, resupply, warehousing, or health monitoring.Under this approach, the feasibility study explains how the proposed technology improves the performance of a particular logistics function. The proposer describes the operational need, the current limitations, and the functional improvements their solution provides. This approach is well suited for technologies that perform a discrete logistics task, such as propellant transfer, component replacement, autonomous inspection, or orbital resupply.
A Logistics Function framing encourages proposers to think about efficiency, reliability, throughput, and mission impact. It also supports early demonstration of measurable improvements in sustainment operations. This approach is particularly useful for technologies that provide a clear, direct enhancement to a single logistics capability.
Selecting the Appropriate Approach
Offerors may choose either approach. The selection should be based on the nature of the proposed technology and the operational problem it addresses. A Systems of Systems approach is appropriate when the technology interacts with multiple nodes or contributes to enterprise level coordination. A Logistics Function approach is appropriate when the technology performs a specific task that can be evaluated independently.
The proposer must clearly identify which approach they are using and explain why it is appropriate for their concept.
PHASE I
This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, Phase I awards will not be made for this topic. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a Phase I-type effort, including a feasibility study.
PHASE I EQUIVALENT WORK REQUIREMENTS
Offerors must provide documentation demonstrating completion of Phase I equivalent work. This documentation must be thorough, detailed, and clearly aligned with Space Force operational needs. The following elements are required.
Stakeholder Engagement
The performer must show that they have engaged with Space Force operators, program offices, mission owners, or acquisition stakeholders. This engagement must demonstrate that the proposed technology addresses a real operational need and has a clear customer within the US Space Force.
Feasibility Study
The feasibility study must demonstrate technical merit, operational relevance, and mission fit. It must show that the proposed technology can operate in the space environment, integrate with existing systems, and support logistics operations across multiple orbital regimes. The study must include analysis of technical risks, operational constraints, and integration challenges.
Integration Pathway
The performer must describe how the technology will integrate into Space Force logistics operations. This includes interfaces, standards, autonomy requirements, mission sequencing, and coordination with other logistics systems. The integration pathway must show how the technology contributes to a broader sustainment architecture.
Regulatory Considerations
The performer must identify regulatory considerations such as ITAR, EAR, licensing, and safety requirements. The documentation must show how the performer plans to comply with these regulations during Phase II and Phase III.
Commercial Dual Use Potential
The performer must demonstrate how the technology can be used by commercial customers such as GEO operators, satellite manufacturers, or insurance providers. This dual use potential supports long term sustainability and transition.
Phase II Prototype Plan
The performer must provide a clear and actionable plan for Phase II prototype development. This plan must include technical milestones, integration activities, testing requirements, and demonstration objectives.
PHASE II
The On Orbit Logistics Challenge includes several technical focus areas. D2P2 proposals must address at least one focus area. Expanded descriptions are provided to guide prototype development and ensure alignment with Space Force needs.
Propellant Management
Propellant management is essential to sustained maneuver, servicing, and logistics operations in space. A resilient on-orbit logistics enterprise requires the ability to store, transfer, meter, monitor, and manage propellant across multiple orbital regimes. Relevant propellant classes may include cryogenic propellants, storable chemical propellants, electric propulsion propellants, pressurants, and emerging multi-mode propulsion consumables.Space Access PAE is seeking prototype-ready technologies that improve the availability, transferability, storability, quality assurance, and operational utility of propellant within an on-orbit logistics architecture. Proposed solutions should demonstrate how they support safe, reliable, and precise autonomous fueling operations and how they integrate with depots, orbital transfer vehicles, servicing systems, and client spacecraft.
D2P2 prototypes should demonstrate one or more of the following: autonomous propellant transfer methods, standardized or interoperable refueling interfaces, depot integration, propellant distribution operations, propellant quality monitoring, or technologies that improve the military utility and affordability of on-orbit refueling and maneuver sustainment.
- Desired Capabilities: Autonomous propellant transfer and refueling operations, Propellant quality monitoring, conditioning, and conversion, Quick-connect, standardized, or interoperable mechanical and fluid interfaces, Precision metering and custody tracking during storage and transfer, Zero-gravity transfer, docking, grappling, and fluid handling, Foreign object debris inspection, contamination control, and quality assurance, Compatibility with depot operations, orbital transfer vehicles, and client spacecraft, Secondary utility such as cargo rideshare or optical inspection, where relevant
- Enabling Technologies: Pressurant recycling and management, Propellant storage and sustainment technologies, including boil-off mitigation, Servicer and depot refueling interfaces, Size-appropriate zero-gravity transfer systems, Multi-mode propellant and propulsion support systems, In-space propellant extraction, processing, or conversion, Sensors and diagnostics for propellant condition monitoring, Autonomous control systems for fueling safety, sequencing, and anomaly response.
Proposals in this focus area should clearly address the following as appropriate:
- Supply Chain and Sourcing: the proposal should describe the relevant propellant supply chain, including industrial availability, production sources, expected throughput, and any dependence on terrestrial or in-space sources. Where applicable, proposals should address the potential role of in-situ resource utilization, including extraction or processing from lunar, asteroid, or other space-based resources.
- Transfer and Storage: the proposal should describe how the propellant will be stored, transferred, and sustained over time. This should include expected storage duration, boil-off or loss characteristics where applicable, zero-boil-off or loss-mitigation approaches if relevant, and the method by which the solution supports interoperability across multiple systems or platforms. Proposals should identify whether they use existing interfaces, are designed to conform to emerging government or industry standards, or require a new interface approach.
- Metering, Quality Control, and Custody: the proposal should describe how the system meters propellant and maintains propellant quality during storage, transfer, and delivery. This should include approaches for contamination control, foreign object debris mitigation, quality monitoring, and assurance of propellant condition while under the performer's custody. Proposals should explain how propellant is received from an upstream source, managed during transport or storage, and delivered to the next node in the logistics chain, such as a depot, distribution vehicle, or end-user spacecraft.
- Value Chain Role and Integration: the proposal should identify the specific portion of the in-space propellant value chain being addressed. This may include production, extraction, transportation, storage, quality management, metering, distribution, or propulsion-system support for mobility restoration or reuse. The proposal should also describe the broader military-relevant system or architecture to which the proposed intellectual property or capability contributes, such as reusable launch systems, reusable orbital transfer vehicles, depots, distribution fleets, or propulsion maintenance support systems.
- Economics and Military Utility: the proposal should describe how the technology improves the cost, availability, responsiveness, or operational effectiveness of propellant delivery and use in space. This may include reduction in delivered cost per kilogram, improved availability at key orbital nodes such as GEO, increased maneuver endurance, greater operational reach, improved flexibility, or enhanced ability of space assets to generate mission effects.
Orbital Transfer Vehicles
Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs) are the workhorses of the logistics enterprise. They move supplies, tow damaged satellites, reposition assets, and deliver benchstock. An OTV must be capable of multi stop routing, autonomous navigation, and precision maneuvering. It must operate across multiple orbital regimes and support both planned and reactive logistics operations. D2P2 prototypes must demonstrate modular chassis designs, autonomous navigation, precision propulsion control, and multi stop routing. The prototype must show how the OTV supports distribution loops and interacts with depots and satellites. The performer must demonstrate how the OTV maintains safety during autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations.
- Desired Capabilities: Refuelability, reusability, inter/intra-domain mobility, interfacing with multiple systems, including depots, clients, and launch vehicles, ability to handle and grapple supplies, long-duration mission survivability (radiation), spacecraft anomaly diagnosis, high delta-V performance, and standardized storage/containerization.
- Enabling Technologies: Reconfigurability, interoperability, with specific mechanical, refueling, or electrical interfaces, autonomous RPOD (Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking), with on-orbit navigation and prioritization, different OTV classes or tiers by thrust and fuel type, built to readily available standards, modularity for component upgrades, radiation-hardened compute, and encryption/security, cryogenics and boil-off management, fuel-on-orbit capability, and containerization (a terrestrial analogy), FOD mitigation and verification, or center of gravity (CG) management and stability control for coupled loads, specific impulse (Isp) efficiency improvements, multi-mode propulsion, and robotic manipulation.
Network Mechanics
Network Mechanics encompasses the integrated system of interfaces, connectors, docking systems, and the underlying orbital dynamics and operational standards that enable logistics systems to interact reliably and efficiently across the space domain. A robust logistics enterprise requires not only common physical interfaces for vehicles to dock, depots to exchange materials, and servicing systems to manipulate payloads, but also sophisticated orbital planning, navigation, and coordination mechanisms to manage the movement and interaction of these assets. D2P2 prototypes must demonstrate standardized connectors, docking operations, autonomous rendezvous safety protocols, and interface modularity. Crucially, prototypes must also show how they leverage advanced orbital mechanics principles for efficient trajectory optimization, collision avoidance, and synchronized operations within a dynamic network of space assets. The prototype must show how the technology improves interoperability and reduces complexity across the logistics enterprise, while ensuring safe and fuel-efficient orbital maneuvers. The performer must demonstrate how the system supports modularity and reduces the number of unique form factors in orbit, integrated with intelligent orbital management.
- Desired Capabilities: Logistics management, power beaming, or robotics, supported by analytical tools for variables like client count and propellant needed, Debris detection, training missions, or war-gaming, Hybrid propulsion coordination across the network, or the ability to troubleshoot anomalies, RPOD or cargo handling (space tugs), including recycle center refurbishment, Servicing frequency, routing, and autonomy that adapt to changing demand and reduce latency in high-demand areas, Asset protection, security, and access control, Autonomous orbital trajectory optimization for multi-asset coordination and fuel efficiency, Real-time collision avoidance and dynamic re-routing capabilities for networked assets, Precise orbital synchronization and station-keeping for distributed logistics nodes, Multi-body orbital mechanics solutions for cislunar and beyond-GEO operations.
- Enabling Technologies: Refueling interfaces or power beaming, Functional network nodes or a control plane, Novel propulsion integration for network coordination, Artificial intelligence (AI)-leveraged decision support or ontology development, Sensors for troubleshooting or debris detection, Advanced astrodynamics modeling and simulation for complex orbital scenarios, Autonomous navigation and guidance algorithms for precise orbital maneuvers, Distributed computing architectures for real-time orbital state estimation and prediction, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) integration for enhanced orbital safety and operational planning, Inter-satellite communication networks for synchronized orbital operations, Optimization algorithms for minimizing delta-V and transit times across the logistics network.
Orbital Warehousing
Warehouses and depots serve as storage and distribution nodes. They must hold propellant, spare parts, tools, consumables, and modular components. They must support autonomous material handling, inventory management, and asset visibility. They must operate in multiple orbital regimes and support both routine and emergency operations. D2P2 prototypes must demonstrate depot construction concepts, inventory management systems, autonomous material handling, and environmental control. The prototype must show how depots support OTV operations, maintain asset visibility, and reduce logistics complexity. No reliance on a unique interface for supply delivery, free-flying containers for diverse assets, and data on commercial capabilities. The performer must demonstrate how the depot maintains reliability and throughput during autonomous operations.
- Desired Capabilities: More autonomy, modularization, and system resilience, sizeable warehouses with self-healing support systems, ability to deliver parts across different orbits, with an economy and in-house operations that scale, warehouse resupply processes and secure, tamper-resistant tracking (e.g., blockchain), super heavy lift or in-space assembly, and versatile, adaptable infrastructure supporting mission integration and intermodal transportation.
- Enabling Technologies: Space pallets and standards for space operations and interfaces, power beaming, visibility of inventory and speed of delivery, retractability and rapid, repeatable rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), employing and testing new tech in the domain, including autonomous robotic manipulation, no reliance on a unique interface for supply delivery, free-flying containers for diverse assets, and data on commercial capabilities.
Reuse, Repair, Refuel, and Recovery
This focus area addresses modular component replacement, robotic repair, autonomous triage, and towing of damaged satellites. Servicing vehicles must be able to diagnose faults, perform repairs, and support operational tempo. Recovery operations must support both planned maintenance and emergency response. D2P2 prototypes must demonstrate how servicing vehicles diagnose faults, perform repairs, and support operational tempo. The prototype must show how repair operations reduce reconstitution burden and increase endurance. The performer must demonstrate how the system maintains precision and reliability during autonomous repair operations.
- Desired Capabilities: LRU/ORU (line- and orbital-replaceable units), mindful of mass, and non-life-limiting components, serviceable systems and capabilities, adaptable software and distributed compute, ground digital twin and autonomy, all satellites prepared for servicing, ISAM (in-space assembly and maintenance) and precision robotic manipulation.
- Enabling Technologies: Standard fluid, docking, power, data, and thermal interfaces, power, propulsion, and payload components (valves, tanks, etc.), optical comms (gimbal-less) or robo-taxis with edge compute, gauges, metering, and active sensing such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR), fault-tolerant, autonomous RPO, multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms and servicing depots, with a "second set of eyes" software for space domain awareness (SDA)/RPO.
Logistics Health Monitoring
Health monitoring provides predictive insight for sustainment. Satellites must report their health status, depots must track inventory, and OTVs must monitor their systems. A logistics enterprise requires digital twins, autonomous anomaly detection, and fleet level dashboards that provide real time visibility.
D2P2 prototypes must demonstrate sensors, edge computing, digital twins, anomaly detection, and fleet level dashboards. The prototype must show how health data informs logistics planning and supports autonomous decision making. The performer must demonstrate how the system maintains accuracy and reliability during health monitoring operations.
- Desired Capabilities: Environmentally controlled warehousing and hosting, rapid, autonomous decision support, including predictive tools for long-term planning and fault onset, communication and data sharing from stored goods, with onboard health monitoring, balancing or cross-distribution of supplies, and robotic manipulation and inspection, modular reconstitution and cross-domain autonomy, decision-making systems that account for commercial vs. government ownership, with clear delegation of authority across ground, space, or hybrid systems.
- Enabling Technologies: Novel materials for monitorable components, advanced analytics, AI, and digital twin technology for health monitoring, data fusion across sensor data, maintenance logs, and digital twins, with serialized pedigree and historical tracking, data norms and standardization for interoperability, docking and capture mechanisms that don't require high precision, or "ejection seat" designs for modular, self-monitoring components, decentralized or cross-vendor data sharing and servicing modularity, user interfaces for human or autonomous decision-making, supported by advanced modeling and simulation.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Phase III will transition the technology to operational use. Expected activities include:
- TRL maturation to operational readiness
- Commercial adoption across GEO, LEO, and cislunar markets
- Government approvals and certifications
- Integration with Space Force logistics enterprise
- Transition planning and stakeholder engagement
- Identification of additional Department of the Air Force customers
The performer must demonstrate how the technology supports long term sustainment and commercial viability.
REFERENCES
U.S. Space Force, Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM). Space Doctrine Publication (SDP) 4-0: Sustainment. Peterson Space Force Base, CO: STARCOM. https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/SDP%204-0%20Sustainment%20(Signed).pdf.
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