Space Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM)

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Technology OBJECTIVE: To develop and implement cutting-edge Space Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) technologies aimed at enabling the Space Systems Command to establish a comprehensive, real-time, and globally responsive environmental monitoring system from space. The end state is to create an integrated network of satellites capable of delivering accurate and actionable environmental data for enhanced situational awareness, resource management, and informed decision-making in both military and civilian sectors. DESCRIPTION: The Space Systems Command (SSC) is spearheading an ambitious initiative focused on advancing Space Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) capabilities to revolutionize global environmental data collection and analysis from space. This endeavor aims to develop and deploy a constellation of state-of-the-art satellites equipped with cutting-edge sensors and instrumentation. The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive, real-time, and responsive environmental monitoring system, delivering high-resolution data on various ecological parameters worldwide. The project encompasses several key facets: Technology Innovation: SSC seeks innovative solutions to enhance satellite capabilities, including sensor development, data processing algorithms, and communication systems. The emphasis is on ensuring higher precision, broader coverage, and increased data reliability. System Integration: The integration of disparate systems into a cohesive network forms a pivotal aspect. This involves satellite constellation management, data fusion, and interoperability to create a seamless ecosystem for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating environmental data. Data Utilization: SSC aims to harness the collected data for actionable insights. This involves the development of sophisticated analytics tools, predictive models, and decision-support systems. The goal is to enable informed decision-making across diverse sectors, including defense, disaster response, agriculture, and resource management. Collaborative Partnerships: Collaboration with industry leaders, academia, government agencies, and international entities forms a critical element. SSC endeavors to foster partnerships to leverage expertise, resources, and diverse perspectives, accelerating innovation and global impact. Operational Efficiency: The project seeks to ensure operational efficiency in satellite deployment, data transmission, and system maintenance. SSC aims to develop streamlined processes and resilient infrastructure for continuous and reliable SBEM operations. PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Government expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior Phase I-type effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. This "phase" should thoroughly assess scientific and technical merit while establishing the feasibility of ideas with commercial potential. The Offeror must validate the product-market fit between the proposed solution and the warfighting customer, identifying potential end-users within the Department of Defense and exploring integration feasibility and costs with current mission-specific products. The documentation presented should encompass technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and achieved performance results aligned with the minimum technical and scientific merit outlined in the description. The prior work demonstrating feasibility must have been substantially performed by the Offeror and/or the Principal Investigator. PHASE II: The Phase II effort aims to advance Space Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) technology developed in Phase I by integrating advanced sensor technologies and data fusion algorithms to create an interconnected satellite constellation. This Phase II prototype will operate with high-resolution multispectral sensors across visible, infrared, and microwave spectrums, capturing diverse environmental indicators globally. Rigorous testing under simulated and real-world conditions, including vacuum and thermal chamber testing, ensures functionality in extreme space environments. Success criteria involve achieving a 95% accuracy rate in environmental data collection, scalability for at least six satellites, and demonstrating cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods, enhancing its commercial viability for defense, disaster management, agriculture, and environmental sectors PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The Phase III dual-use initiative aims to transition the advanced Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) technology into commercial markets while addressing specific government and military needs. This phase focuses on optimizing the technology for commercial adoption by environmental monitoring firms, agriculture, and disaster management agencies, ensuring scalability and user-friendly interfaces. Simultaneously, it tailors SBEM technology for government and military applications, collaborating with defense agencies, emergency responders, and environmental bodies to align with operational requirements. Continuous technology refinement and field tests validate the technology's robustness in diverse settings, meeting stringent standards. A comprehensive market penetration strategy facilitates widespread commercial adoption through targeted marketing, industry partnerships, and user training programs, ensuring broader societal impact and strategic relevance REFERENCES: Z. Szajnfarber, T. Beatty, M. Petersen, A. Vasilyeva, D. White, A. Wiegel; Defining a US Architecture for Environmental Monitoring from Space . Massachusetts Institute of Technology KEYWORDS: Remote Sensing; Environmental Testing; Climate Observation; Data Fusion