KEYWORDS
Surviellance; Space Based Surviellance; Proliferation; Contstellation; Resident Space Object; Space Domain Awareness; Geostationary Orbit; GEO Belt; visual magnitude; Electro Optical; Free Flyer; Wide area Field of View; SILENTBARKER; GEO SDA; EO WFOV
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Phase I effort is to conduct a feasibility study of a commercially derived, Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload concept to support persistent Space Domain Awareness (SDA) in the geostationary (GEO) belt. Existing SDA capabilities, such as the joint National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) United States Space Force (USSF) SILENTBARKER mission, provide a reference point for current approaches to GEO object detection, custody, and indications and warning. This topic seeks to explore commercially derived WFOV EO payload concepts that could inform future enhancements to space-based SDA capabilities beyond the current state of the art.
Phase I will evaluate candidate payload architectures and mature Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for autonomous wide-area GEO search, dynamic tasked collections on priority Resident Space Objects (RSOs), and generation of timely tip-and-cue data suitable for integration with complementary SDA and reconnaissance systems. The feasibility study will assess performance, scalability, and integration considerations associated with commercially derived imaging technologies, with the goal of identifying viable approaches that align with anticipated Space Force SDA mission needs. The outcome of Phase I will be a documented feasibility assessment and a clearly defined roadmap for Phase II prototype development, including recommended payload architectures, key technical risks, and operational considerations.
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
As adversary space capabilities continue to advance and challenge established patterns of behavior, the need to improve awareness of activities in the geostationary (GEO) belt has become increasingly critical. Current limitations in the ability to detect, characterize, and respond to unexpected maneuvers in GEO create risk of operational surprise. The space domain is becoming more congested and contested, driving demand for persistent, wide-area surveillance capabilities that can autonomously identify, track, and provide timely alerts on objects of interest. Existing space-based Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, such as the joint NRO USSF SILENTBARKER mission, provide a reference point for current approaches to GEO object detection, custody, and indications and warning. While these capabilities demonstrate important advances in SDA, evolving threats, mission complexity, and operational demands highlight the need to explore additional sensing concepts that could enhance persistence, responsiveness, and resilience beyond the current state of the art.
There is a recognized gap in the availability of scalable, wide-field-of-view sensing solutions capable of providing continuous, wide-area GEO surveillance. Current architectures rely on a limited number of sensors optimized for focused observation, which can constrain coverage, revisit rates, and responsiveness. Commercially derived Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payloads offer the potential to complement existing SDA approaches by enabling broader search volumes, higher revisit rates, and increased autonomy while leveraging commercial innovation to improve affordability and scalability. This topic seeks innovative WFOV EO payload concepts that can support autonomous GEO-belt search, dynamic tasking, and generation of actionable data suitable for integration with complementary SDA and reconnaissance systems. Solutions should consider the operational challenges of GEO surveillance, including solar exclusion constraints, thermal and radiation environments, platform integration considerations, and compatibility with existing command, control, and data-processing architectures.
The long-term vision of this topic is to inform future space-based SDA architectures by identifying viable, commercially derived WFOV EO payload approaches that could enhance persistent GEO surveillance, reduce decision timelines, and improve the ability to maintain custody of critical space objects in support of U.S. Space Force mission needs. References to existing SDA systems are provided for contextual understanding only and do not imply a commitment to transition or acquisition.
PHASE I
Phase I will establish the technical merit, feasibility, and operational relevance of a commercially derived, Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload concept for geosynchronous orbit (GEO) Space Domain Awareness (SDA) missions. The Phase I effort will focus on analytical, modeling, and conceptual activities intended to assess candidate payload architectures and mature operational concepts suitable for wide-area GEO surveillance. Phase I activities will include the following core elements:
Payload Architecture Trade Study
- Perform a trade-space analysis of viable optical and Focal Plane Assembly (FPA) architectures for WFOV EO payloads, with emphasis on designs compatible with ESPA-class Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints. Trade studies should assess performance, manufacturability, cost, schedule risk, and suitability of commercially derived components, including consideration of free-form or off-axis optical designs.
Sensor Performance Modeling and Analysis
- Develop and validate a high-fidelity sensor performance model to evaluate detection capability against representative GEO backgrounds. Modeling should confirm the feasibility of detecting Resident Space Objects (RSOs) at a threshold of 15.0 visual magnitude, with a desired objective of achieving 16.0 visual magnitude, accounting for stray light, sensor noise, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) margins.
Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Definition
- Define a preliminary Concept of Operations for WFOV EO GEO surveillance, including at a minimum:
1. Wide-Area Search: Autonomous scanning of approximately 40 degrees in right ascension by 15 Thdegrees in declination within 30 minutes or less.
2. Tasked Collection: Cued observation of specific RSOs to support tracking, characterization, and update of object custody.
- The CONOPS should address autonomy, data generation, and integration considerations relevant to SDA operations.
Integration and Environmental Considerations
- Conduct a preliminary analysis of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and data interfaces required for integration with an ESPA-class spacecraft bus. This analysis should include consideration of GEO thermal conditions, radiation environment impacts, and design approaches to support mission-relevant operational lifetimes.
The primary deliverable for Phase I is a comprehensive Feasibility Study Report documenting:
-Results of payload architecture trade studies
-Sensor performance modeling and analysis
-The preliminary CONOPS
-Key technical risks and mitigation strategies
-Integration considerations and constraints
-A clear, actionable roadmap for Phase II prototype development
Additional supporting materials may include performance simulation data, preliminary interface concepts, and summaries of stakeholder engagement or mission alignment discussions. Deliverables may include:
- Comprehensive Feasibility & Design Report: Detailed results of optical trades, sensor performance modeling, and radiation/thermal analysis.
- Digital CONOPS & Interface Roadmap: A refined operational framework and a preliminary Interface Control Document (ICD) for USSF bus integration.
- Performance Simulation Data: Validated SNR and detection probability datasets for the 14.5 16.0 magnitude range.
- Stakeholder Alignment Summary: Documentation of end-user feedback and validated mission requirements for the Phase II prototype.
PHASE II
Phase II will build upon the results of the Phase I feasibility study and focus on the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of a prototype Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload for geosynchronous orbit (GEO) Space Domain Awareness missions. The objective of Phase II is to develop and validate a flight-traceable Engineering Model (EM) payload that demonstrates key performance, environmental, and operational characteristics identified during Phase I. Phase II activities may include:
Prototype Fabrication and Assembly
- Fabricate optical components, procure commercially available electronics, and assemble a complete, flight-traceable EM payload based on the final architecture selected in Phase I. This includes integration of the optical system, Focal Plane Assembly (FPA), control electronics, and supporting subsystems into a single, integrated unit.
Firmware and Software Development
- Develop and integrate firmware and software necessary to support autonomous payload operation. This may include command and control functions, image acquisition and processing, autonomous search pattern execution, and tasked pointing or slewing consistent with the Phase I Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
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 and random vibration testing to assess launch survivability.
Laboratory-Based Performance Demonstration
- Perform performance testing in a laboratory environment using calibrated star simulators and collimated light sources to replicate operational conditions and validate detection, search, and pointing performance.
Demonstration of Key Capabilities
- Execute performance demonstrations to verify compliance with critical requirements defined in the Phase I feasibility study and CONOPS.
Successful completion of Phase II will be determined by demonstration of the following:
- Detection Performance: Detection of a calibrated 15.0 visual magnitude source in a simulated space environment with a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 6 or greater.
- Search Performance: Execution of an autonomous search pattern covering approximately 40 degrees in right ascension by 15 degrees in declination within 30 minutes or less, including verification of required slew rates and settling times.
- Environmental Survivability: Successful completion of required environmental testing (TVAC and vibration) with no critical component failures or unacceptable degradation in optical performance.
Primary deliverables for Phase II should include:
- One fully assembled and tested Engineering Model (EM) WFOV EO payload
- Performance and environmental test data and reports
- Final performance verification documentation
- A preliminary Interface Control Document (ICD)
- A prototype maturation and transition roadmap to support further development
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 Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload technologies developed during Phases I and II. These efforts would focus on advancing the payload toward flight-qualified configurations suitable for incorporation into operational Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission architectures. This technology is intended to support the evolution and enhancement of SDA capabilities represented by the joint NRO USSF SILENTBARKER Program of Record, providing additional technical options to improve persistence, resilience, autonomy, and affordability for GEO surveillance missions. Phase III activities are expected to serve as risk-reduction and technology maturation efforts that inform potential integration decisions within SILENTBARKER-class SDA architectures, without presupposing a specific acquisition approach.
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 WFOV EO 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.
Transition planning will require coordination with Space Systems Command (SSC), including the Space Reconnaissance and Surveillance Branch (SYZ), to align technology maturation with future SDA mission needs and budget planning cycles such as the Program Objective Memorandum (POM). In addition to relevance for SILENTBARKER-class SDA missions, WFOV EO payload technologies developed under this topic may be applicable to other Department of War sensing architectures, including reconnaissance and tip-and-cue ecosystems involving systems such as RG-XX and Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), where wide-area search and autonomous detection can enhance overall mission effectiveness. The underlying WFOV optics, autonomous detection algorithms, and payload integration approaches developed through this effort have significant dual-use potential in the commercial space sector. Commercial applications may include: - Commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM): Autonomous detection and tracking of satellites and orbital debris.
- On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM): Wide-field sensing to support inspection, rendezvous, and proximity operations.
- Commercial SSA-as-a-Service: Space-based monitoring and analytics for satellite operators, insurers, and international partners.
These dual-use applications may support broader adoption, cost reduction, and continued innovation while maintaining alignment with U.S. Space Force SDA mission needs.
REFERENCES
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/12/space-force-will-not-partner-with-nro-for-next-generation-surveillance-satellites/
https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Program-Offices/Space-Combat-Power
https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Portals/3/Documents/Fact%20Sheets/SSC_SDACP_Fact_Sheet_ symposium.pdf?ver=EZIRTBmKPC0rkVzpvvbDFA%3D%3D
https://spacenews.com/space-force-rolls-out-new-naming-scheme-for-satellites-and-space-weapons/
https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/88d72b7181d340cbb206017b3be82e0e/view
https://elaranova.com/from-gssap-to-rg-xx-space-force-bringing-solution-diversity-to-space-domain-awareness/
https://www.nro.gov/Portals/135/Documents/news/Press%20Kits/10240_PressKitbook_Launch_ NROL-107.pdf?ver=1ahtS3Is4ILmSU7-LdScpw%3D%3D
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