TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC)
Amanda Beach
Mark Ohair
PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT
Level 2 (Self)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS
Space Platforms
MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES
Space Technology
KEYWORDS
Surveillance; Space Based Surveillance; Proliferation; Constellation; Resident Space Object; Space Domain Awareness; Geostationary Orbit; GEO Belt; visual magnitude; Electro Optical; Infrared; Radio Frequency; Free Flyer; GEO SDA; Low Size Weight and Power; own-ship awareness; Local Area Sensor
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Direct to Phase II (D2P2) effort is to provide a production representative article of flight qualifiable hardware to be flown in the GEO space environment. The modern space domain requires a layered sensing architecture to ensure resilience. This D2P2 effort is focused on a critical element of that architecture: a compact, efficient payload that provides persistent, 4 pi steradian awareness of the local space environment for its host vehicle. Occlusion zones are probable and should be minimized based on the satellite design and sensor placement. Multiple phenomenologies are of interest, to include but not limited to, electro-optical, infrared, and radio frequency. To be suitable for integration across a wide range of buses, solutions must be aggressively optimized for low Size, Weight, and Power with affordability in mind. While any available tested technology will be considered, the ideal payload would not exceed 50W of power consumption and 15 Kg of mass. These characteristics are critical for enabling integration onto platforms with stringent resource limitations. The desired capability must establish a "self-awareness bubble" with a range of 200 km (threshold) to 500 km (objective) radius, with the ability to detect a 0.5 (threshold) to 0.2 (objective) meter object with a probability of detection of 0.8 and probability of false alarm of 0.01. The sensor data must feed into advanced on-board analytics to autonomously track nearby objects, to support assessment of intent, distinguishing between debris, unanticipated neutral or friendly objects, and potential threats to enable both autonomous tactical response and intuitive operator visualization. The government's primary focus is on the speed of delivery for proven technology now. Key challenges to be addressed include:
- Autonomous Threat Detection in a Low SWaP-C Package: proactively gathering, processing, and analyzing data to characterize threats using a highly efficient, lightweight payload.
- Scalable, Mature, and Manufacturable Solutions: solutions must emphasize high Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), and scalability for hardware and software.
- Efficient Hardware Integration: use common interfaces for power, data, and thermal to ease integration onto platforms. Minimize footprint and be flexible with mounting options.
- Efficient Data Integration: Optimizing the payload to provide decision-quality information efficiently, with an architecture that allows for integration with enterprise data systems.
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
This D2P2 effort is to develop low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) technology for an on-board sensing payload to provide local situational awareness. This effort specifically looks to target low SWaP-C payload and on-board processing capability to sense and assess objects within the local area. This effort targets the combination of in-space sensing and sense-making with the goal to enable both self-protection through the organic ability to detect, track, and characterize immediate threats to support threat response, but also contributes to shared awareness of the tactical space picture across the domain. Following the traditions of air, maritime, and ground combat architectures, proliferated tactical sensors and their on-board assessment technology must become part of any combat system baseline. As such, this payload capability will become a critical enabler for mission resilience and ultimately, space superiority, through greater autonomy, decision-agility and survivability in contested space warfighting environments.
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 the Air Force (DAF) customer and end-user. The feasibility study should have:
Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the USAF and/or USSF need(s).
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.
Describe if and how the solution can be used by other U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or Governmental customers.
PHASE II
Phase II will build upon existing technology to take the next step in maturity. The successful completion of Phase II should be production of a production representative article (PRA) that can be space qualified and meets the SWaP and performance requirements. Phase II activities include:
Prototype Fabrication and Assembly: fabricate or procure necessary components to fabricate and test a PRA.
Firmware and Software Development: develop and integrate firmware and software necessary to support processing of sensor data and provide output that can be ingested by the bus for autonomous operation. Additionally, necessary data should be formatted for further exploitation on the ground.
Environmental and Performance Testing: conduct a comprehensive test campaign to validate payload performance and survivability. Testing is expected to include thermal-vacuum (TVAC) cycling representative of the GEO thermal environment, random vibration testing to assess launch survivability, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing to ensure no harm to other space vehicle sub-systems.
Laboratory-Based Performance Demonstration: conduct performance testing in a laboratory environment to validate key performance parameters.
Successful completion of Phase II should be determined by demonstration of the following:
Demonstrated performance of unit
Successful completion of space environmental testing (TVAC, Random Vibration, EMI)
Demonstrated data output format
Primary deliverables for Phase II should include:
Production Representative Article
Performance and environmental test data and reports (End Item Data Package)
Reliability analysis
A preliminary Interface Control Document (ICD)
Ground software for commanding the sensor payload and processing telemetry and mission data
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Phase III activities, funded through non-SBIR/STTR government contracts or other appropriate funding mechanisms, are intended to support the continued maturation, qualification, and operational integration of technologies. These efforts would focus on advancing the payload toward flight-qualified configurations suitable for incorporation into operational Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission architectures. Potential Phase III activities may include qualification of the payload design for space flight, refinement for manufacturability and scalability, integration support with host spacecraft platforms, and preparation for operational testing and evaluation (OT&E). Where appropriate, Phase III may also support Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) planning and execution, subject to government priorities and funding availability. Upon successful completion of Phase II, the payload is expected to achieve approximately TRL 6, representing a system or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment. Phase III efforts may mature the technology to TRL 8 through flight qualification and system-level testing, and ultimately to TRL 9 upon successful on-orbit deployment and operational use. The full scope of potential Phase III efforts is defined in 15 USC 638 and SBA SBIR/STTR Policy Directive (PD), Section 4(c). Per Section 4(b)(2) of the PD the Government may, at its discretion, include Phase III procedures into its Phase II Funding Agreement.
REFERENCES
https://www.fedtech.io/resource/prime-fusion-accelerator-cohort-announcement.
Space Doctrine Publication 3-100 Space Domain Awareness. November 2023.
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.
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