OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Technology 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. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop a low-cost, low size, weight, and power (SWaP) radar warning receiver (RWR) for integration on small satellite platforms operating in geostationary orbit (GEO). The RWR must provide reliable indications and warnings (I&W) by detecting and characterizing radar emissions in support of space domain awareness (SDA) missions. The system must be capable of surviving launch and operating in the harsh space environment, supporting onboard data processing, and securely communicating results to host platforms and ground systems. The RWR should be designed for ease of integration with common spacecraft bus standards (mechanical, thermal, electrical, and data) to enable rapid proliferation across United States Space Force (USSF) space assets. DESCRIPTION: The space domain is becoming increasingly congested, contested, and competitive, demanding that the USSF continuously improve its ability to achieve and maintain space superiority. A key enabler of this superiority is space domain awareness (SDA) which is the ability to detect, track, and characterize objects and activities in space in near-real-time. While ground-based sensors play a critical role in SDA, their effectiveness is inherently limited by line-of-sight, atmospheric interference, and coverage constraints. To overcome these limitations, space-based sensing capabilities are required to complement and enhance the existing architecture. However, many current space-based sensing solutions are large, power-intensive, and prohibitively expensive, making them difficult to deploy widely, particularly on small satellite platforms. This topic seeks to develop and demonstrate a low-cost, low size, weight, and power (SWaP) radar warning receiver (RWR) suitable for integration on small satellites operating in GEO. These RWRs will detect and characterize radar emissions and provide real-time threat indications and warnings, directly supporting SDA missions. Existing exquisite systems provide these capabilities but are often too large or costly for wide deployment. The goal is to enable rapid proliferation of I&W capabilities by creating compact, efficient RWR payloads that meet or exceed current performance benchmarks while minimizing resource consumption. The RWR must be able to: -Survive launch and operate in the harsh GEO environment, -Integrate with common spacecraft interfaces, -Process and communicate actionable data in real-time to the host platform and ground systems, -Meet cybersecurity and classified data handling requirements. By making advanced sensing capabilities accessible to small platforms, this effort will contribute to a more resilient, distributed space sensor network, improve real-time threat detection, and enhance overall space domain awareness for the USSF and its partners. 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. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. It must have validated the product-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential U.S. Air Force (USAF) and/or USSF stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the U.S. Department of Air Force (DAF) customer and end-user. The feasibility study should have: 1. Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the USAF and/or USSF need(s). 2. Described the pathway to integrating with DAF operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant systems and/or processes. 3. Describe if and how the solution can be used by other U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or Governmental customers. PHASE II: The objective of this Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) SBIR topic is to design, develop, and deliver a low-cost, low size, weight, and power (SWaP) radar warning sensor capable of detecting and characterizing radar emissions in support of space domain awareness (SDA) missions. The technology must be suitable for integration on small satellite platforms and engineered to survive launch and operate reliably in the GEO environment. The effort should mature the technology to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher, culminating in a flight-representative prototype that: - Operates within well-defined SWaP limits: - Size: Threshold < 6750 cm3 / Objective < 1000 cm3 - Weight: Threshold < 8 kg / Objective < 5 kg - Power: Threshold < 35 W / Objective < 15 W - Achieves performance levels necessary for real-time radar warning and threat detection in space, - Conforms to standardized satellite bus mechanical, thermal, and electrical interfaces (e.g. data interfaces ethernet or SpaceWire), - Supports onboard data processing and secure, low-latency communication to both the host spacecraft and ground segments, - Meets applicable cybersecurity and classified system integration requirements. To support these outcomes, the technology should advance through detailed design reviews, environmental qualification (including thermal, vibration, and radiation tolerance), and validation using relevant test environments such as hardware-in-the-loop setups, flat-sat demonstrations, or other flight-representative testbeds. Deliverables may include a prototype sensor unit, comprehensive Interface Control Documents (ICDs), software support packages, test data reports, user manuals, and initial training materials. The effort should also include a clear plan for Phase III transition, identifying applicable USSF and DoD platforms, outlining integration pathways with existing SDA architectures, and demonstrating potential for cost-effective production and scalability. Preference will be given to solutions that are modular, adaptable to multiple mission profiles, and capable of being rapidly deployed as part of a resilient, proliferated space sensor network. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will focus on transitioning the prototype sensor into a fully qualified, production-ready system and scaling up for broader deployment across operational platforms. Key activities will include refinement of the design for manufacturability, reliability, and cost efficiency, as well as ensuring full compliance with host vehicle interface requirements, onboard data handling architectures, and ground system processing and dissemination pipelines. Efforts may also support the finalization of integration and support documentation, including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), user manuals, maintenance procedures, and training materials as required for operational adoption. Engagement with key stakeholders across the USSF, DoD, and other government agencies will be critical to facilitate successful integration, fielding, and sustainment of the sensor. In parallel, Phase III will explore and develop the technology's dual-use potential, with applicability to a range of military, intelligence, civil, and commercial markets. Potential non-military uses may include space traffic monitoring, electromagnetic environment characterization, satellite health diagnostics, or support to commercial satellite operators seeking situational awareness capabilities. By addressing both defense and commercial needs, this technology offers the potential to maximize both strategic value and economic impact. REFERENCES: 1. "Space Doctrine Publication 3-100 Space Domain Awareness." November 2023. https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/SDP%203-100%20Space%20Domain%20Awareness%20(November%202023)_pdf_safe.pdf?ver=jcB9D6t8Pq-tzgBdoESmww%3D%3D. 2. Zhang, Li Ang, Krista Langeland, Jonathan Tran, Jordan Logue, Prateek Puri, George Nacouzi, Anthony Jacques, and Gary J. Briggs. "Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Space Domain Awareness: Characterizing the Impact on Mission Effectiveness," Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2024. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2318-1.html. KEYWORDS: Indications and Warning; Threat Warning and Response; Space Situational Awareness; Space Domain Awareness; Own-ship awareness; Sensors; Space-based Sensing
