OBJECTIVE
The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions to enable the rapid development and demonstration of space-based interceptors (SBIs) capable of defeating hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during the midcourse or glide phase of flight. This effort is part of a broader strategic initiative to build a layered missile defense architecture that integrates cutting-edge sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities to counter maneuverable, high-speed threats.
Proposals should aim to deliver compact, high-performance interceptor solutions designed for deployment on space-based platforms, capable of addressing the technical challenges unique to HGV engagement including extreme thermal environments, unpredictable trajectories, limited engagement windows, and high-G maneuverability. The goal is to accelerate the development of SBI technologies that demonstrate real-time threat engagement and survivability under demanding flight conditions.
Key objectives include:
- Develop and integrate novel propulsion and booster subsystems capable of rapid thrust, high delta-v, and maneuverability to enable midcourse or glide-phase intercept of HGVs.
- Design resilient seeker and guidance systems paired with onboard data fusion to support target discrimination and terminal guidance in high-speed, plasma-rich environments.
- Advance end-to-end SBI architectures that combine propulsion, sensors, guidance, and thermal protection in low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) configurations suitable for distributed deployment on satellite constellations.
- Demonstrate subsystem feasibility and performance through rigorous simulation, testing, and validation in relevant environmental conditions, progressing toward flight-ready prototypes.
Offerors should present a high-level system concept, supported by a credible development timeline, system architecture rationale, and a path to prototype delivery and testing. Emphasis should be placed on agility, manufacturability, and technical readiness to support live-fire, on-orbit demonstrations in follow-on efforts.
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 project represents a strategic initiative within Space Systems Command (SSC) to advance space-based interceptor (SBI) capabilities tailored for defense against hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats. In partnership with SSC's Space Combat Power Directorate (SSC/SZ), this effort will pursue rapid development and maturation of technologies that enable the tracking and kinetic defeat of maneuverable HGVs during their midcourse or glide phase of flight. This project will involve close collaboration with key stakeholders across SSC, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and other strategic partners.
HGVs represent one of the most technically demanding threats in the missile defense domain due to their high speeds, unpredictable flight paths, and ability to maneuver within the upper atmosphere. Successfully engaging such threats from space requires a new class of interceptor that integrates high-performance propulsion, real-time guidance, advanced sensing, and resilient flight control into a compact and deployable architecture. Proposed solutions must address the physical and operational complexities associated with intercepting HGVs, including:
- Surviving and functioning in high-aero-thermal environments caused by hypersonic flight.
- Mitigating plasma-induced signal degradation affecting sensor and communications performance.
- Managing rapid closing velocities and compressed engagement timelines.
- Executing terminal maneuvering to counter unpredictable target trajectories.
This effort will prioritize subsystem innovation across propulsion, guidance, thermal protection, and sensor fusion technologies. Emphasis will be placed on solutions that are modular, manufacturable, and scalable for deployment on proliferated space-based platforms.
The ultimate objective of this effort is to establish the technical foundation and design maturity necessary to enable future on-orbit demonstrations of SBIs capable of neutralizing HGV threats. Solutions developed under this topic are expected to contribute to the broader Space Force strategy of building a responsive, layered missile defense architecture that leverages space-based platforms.
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:
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
The objective of the Phase II effort is to develop, mature, and demonstrate enabling technologies that support a space-based interceptor (SBI) capable of engaging hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) during the midcourse or glide phase of flight. This mission profile presents unique technical challenges due to maneuverability, low-altitude flight profiles, and thermal environments associated with modern HGV threats. Offerors are expected to propose a complete end-to-end SBI architecture, demonstrating how their solution addresses the operational demands of glide-phase interception. This includes concepts that integrate propulsion, sensors, guidance, communications, and thermal protection into a compact, space-deployable platform.
At a minimum, proposals should:
- Describe the overall SBI concept, including the host platform, interceptor architecture, and integration approach.
- Quantify expected performance parameters such as delta-v (km/s), acceleration (m/s2), and G-loading tolerances.
- Detail component mass breakdowns, including total interceptor mass, host satellite mass, and sensor suite weight.
- Identify the type and TRL of sensors (e.g., IR, EO, LADAR), and describe tracking performance capable of functioning in a plasma-rich, aero-heated environment.
- Address terminal guidance solutions, including sensor resiliency under hypersonic flow, RF data link concepts for in-flight target updates (IFTU), and onboard trajectory prediction capabilities.
- Thermal protection strategies for operating in extreme conditions.
A credible development timeline is required, including major milestones from design, subsystem testing, integration, and readiness for on-orbit demonstration. Proposals should also describe how subsequent funding mechanisms (e.g., STRATFI/TACFI or Phase III) could be leveraged to transition into live-fire demonstrations using government-provided surrogate targets.
Selected performers will be required to participate in annual program management reviews at the sponsoring government facility in Huntsville, Alabama. Solutions should demonstrate technical feasibility through modeling, benchtop testing, or subcomponent validation by the conclusion of Phase II, and show a clear path to TRL 6 or higher.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Phase III efforts will focus on advancing the most promising technologies developed in Phase II toward full system demonstration and operational relevance. Proposed technologies must have demonstrated feasibility through rigorous modeling, benchtop testing, and/or subcomponent validation under relevant environmental and operational conditions.
Phase II performers are expected to show measurable progress toward subsystem integration, with a well-defined path toward complete interceptor system maturation. Top-performing solutions may be selected to compete in a prize-based downselect process leading to live-fire, on-orbit demonstrations of SBI capabilities against hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) surrogate targets.
Phase III efforts will prioritize:
- Transition to TRL 7 or higher, validating system performance through integrated flight testing.
- System adaptation and scalability, enabling integration into larger national missile defense architectures and future operational constellations.
- Dual-use potential, supporting both government and commercial space security applications, including space-based sensing, autonomous navigation, and resilient spacecraft design.
- Pathways to operational fielding, including coordination with acquisition stakeholders to transition mature technologies into formal programs of record or other acquisition strategies.
Follow-on funding may be provided via traditional contracts, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), or SBIR-derived mechanisms such as STRATFI/TACFI. Solutions demonstrating alignment with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) missile defense priorities and possessing a credible pathway to deployment will be best positioned for continued support.
REFERENCES
TRL Guide - https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-20-48g.pdf
ENDO LEAP FLIGHT TEST PLANNING - https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA344784.pdf
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