Daedalus

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative approaches to address challenges in the area of foundational technologies to enable sustained very low Earth orbit (VLEO) operations. VLEO is defined as orbits less than 450 km (<1,476 kft) in altitude. The proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems that optimize mission capability and lifetime.
Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.

Work Details
The Daedalus program will develop and demonstrate critical technologies to enable sustained VLEO operations. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in the design and fielding of VLEO spacecraft by addressing the three Focus Areas (FAs) detailed in the Classified Addendum. The program encourages solutions from all responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs, including large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and research institutions.

Period of Performance
The Daedalus program will comprise 3 phases over at least 51 months with 3 Focus Areas (FAs) detailed in the Classified Addendum.
Performers will begin with a 3-month Phase 0 to produce an initial concept that meets the goals and metrics detailed in the Classified Addendum.
Successful selected Phase 0 performers may be invited to negotiate and subsequently execute a 24-month Phase 1 to develop key aspects of their approach along with bench top demonstration(s) that show experimental feasibility.

Place of Performance
The geographic location(s) where the contract will be performed is not explicitly provided in the given text.