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 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: This focused Open Topic is offered by SpaceWERX, in partnership with SSC/AAA and USSPACECOM . This topic seeks cutting-edge ideas and state-of-the-art capabilities that will enable the United States Space Force (USSF) to provide capabilities that can be rapidly employed in response to urgent on-orbit needs by 2026. The objectives of this topic are threefold: 1. The primary objective is to demonstrate revolutionary technologies for resilient and responsive dynamic space operations using space transport vehicles via the development, integration, testing, and demonstration of technology for this accelerated capability. 2. The secondary objective is to is to accelerate technology developments that lead to a new class of high delta V, high impulse Orbit Transfer Vehicles that will meet military needs. DESCRIPTION: Tactical High Orbit Fast Transfer (THOFT) is the ability to rapidly respond to High-Orbital Energy needs on operationally relevant timelines. This rapid acquisition effort will use both commercial and government mission partners, during a conflict or a crisis to respond to threats or augment existing capabilities. Our mission is to reduce USSF response times to events and situations in beyond LEO regions from months or years to days or hours, having a significant impact on U.S. and ally resilience. Tactically relevant, resilient and responsive operations for high energy orbital locations require revolutionary technologies. At present time, DoD must heavily leverage industry investment for near-term requirements and incentivize an S&T pipeline for next-generation technologies that will meet military needs. To meet the Target Performance Goals, a new class of Orbit Transfer Vehicles will need to be demonstrated that demonstrate the ability to reach all regions of the space domain in a militarily relevant and effectual operationally relevant timelines. This includes proven spacecraft bus and payloads that can be enhanced with minimal non-recurring engineering, advanced propulsion systems to get to the necessary orbits, and on-orbit operational procedures to include end-of-life disposal. To respond quickly to a dynamically changing target on-orbit location, mission segments must begin with launch to produce a timely operational effect and execute the mission thus insertion into the correct orbital parameters to rapidly respond to on-orbit needs. The USSF encourages participants in this Challenge to offer technological solutions for in orbit demonstrations, as well as developed solutions that can be expedited. The DAF is interested in understanding all underlying technologies upon which the solution relies. CONTEXT As evidenced by the investments and numerous deployments of capabilities placed on orbit by near-peers, Space is a dynamic domain. During a conflict, these space capabilities may interfere with or destroy U.S. space assets. Therefore, the USSF is interested creating an orbital transfer and spacecraft delivery capability to respond in a faster timeframe to circumvent, address, observe, inhibit and deter the adversary's actions. In preparation for future conflicts against technologically advanced competitors, the USSF will need the ability to transport, maneuver, and insert spacecraft assets in all locations within the space domain on an expedited, and accelerated basis. Especially orbital locations that the USSF was not initially planning for and are challenging to reach but necessitated due to adversary actions or mission needs. Often necessitating a response to emerging threats within the space warfighting domain due to the adversary wishing to negatively impact the force. This negative impact can also be attributed due to inflexibility of the enterprise to adapt to an unplanned situation thus cascading to the overall enterprise. Within each area of emphasis defined below, the USSF has identified a set of potential desired capabilities. Please note that these are not requirements but are offered to clarify USSF intent. Additionally, the list of desirable capabilities provided below should not be considered comprehensive and this topic seeks cutting edge state-of-the-art solutions that do not necessarily fit in to the areas of emphasis below. AREAS OF EMPHASIS 1) Space Vehicle propulsion: Deep throttle-ability of orbit transfer propulsion system to provide for precise orbit adjustment, high orbit insertion, lower g-limits, but still provide for high impulse short duration maneuvers. Propellant that is easier to handle/more efficient and quicker to fuel (secure supply/production, non-toxic, inexpensive). Baseline system designed for an initial Short on-orbit mission lifetime (days with maybe up to weeks). On-orbit lifetime extension could be enhanced for further missions via refueling. Multiple restarts to provide for multiple transfer burns ranging from long duration, to short adjustments during mission lifetime. High performance mission capability of transfer stage ranging from 3000-4000m/s (from an ESPA/ESPA Grande class vehicle) and above Single rapid transfer mission requires high performance from 3000-4000m/s ( from an ESPA/ESPA Grande class vehicle) beyond which additional mission extension, maneuvering, deorbit and further maneuvering may use high efficiency propulsion options. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to: Green propellants for both main propulsion or Attitude Control systems. Bi-propellant systems (non-toxic) for main propulsion Attitude and orbit adjustment systems required to be non-toxic and enabling of responsive ground, launch and space operations. Modularity within architecture for easy upgrade and commonality with other systems in development. Commonality of tech base and cross-Modularity between transfer propulsion and ESPA spacecraft propulsion systems in development. On-orbit cryogenic propellant storage Small, Pump fed, very high performance, compact engine systems Configurable trade space and launch vehicle Delta-V capabilities (SV dual mode propulsion) for mission adaptability post initial orbit transfer. 2) Enabling Vehicles & Platforms for demonstration of rapid transfer Capabilities include: Space vehicle that can maneuver and deposit a small spacecraft (E.g. ESPA Class) to beyond-LEO locations necessitating high orbital transfer energy (e.g. significant Delta-V, >3,000 m/sec) Accommodating Rapid transfer capability (high thrust) for transfer to a higher orbit within hours Easily packaged and deployable solutions that accommodate either a single stack (Fits within a small launch vehicle payload fairing with accommodation for an ESPA class spacecraft) or integration into a multi-manifested ride-share mission. Rapid production rate and surge capability upon case of high demand during high tempo operations Ability to leverage/use active commercial space bus, Orbital Transfer Vehicle or other spacecraft production lines now in development to increase commonality with commercial systems. Rapid integration of space vehicle with launch vehicle stage and fairing and universality with multiple launch vehicles (direct inject single stack for expedited dedicated missions, and multi-manifest ride share for prepositioning, deterrent missions) Thermal controls to meet variety of orbital inclinations. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to: Delta-V solutions to include hybrid use of both chemical (transfer) and electric propulsion (dispositioning or maneuvering at destination) Internal navigation for precise measuring On-orbit processing to reduce data transmission Persistent platforms (space refueling, common interfaces) capable of being serviced On-Orbit 3) Mission Planning and on-orbit state of health Capabilities include: Easily coordinate trajectory and maneuvering operations to transition between launch (civil and commercial), objects in LEO, and destinations beyond (e.g. MEO, GEO, Cislunar, etc. ) On-demand integration of Space Vehicle and Launch Vehicle when new direct injection is required due to mission needs Improved timeline or minimization of transit time when retasking of a prepositioned on-orbit transfer vehicle Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to: Avionics and GN&C for complex orbital and suborbital autonomous trajectories Scripted dress rehearsals, processes, tests, training/personnel to meet government mission oversight role. Tools and training to quickly conduct optimal transfer trajectory, intercept, orbital alignment, etc. aspects. Minimization of reliance on ground network to perform mission and so as not to overtax limited ground assets. 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 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 Space Systems Command (SSC), the Space Force stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the DAF customer and end-user. The feasibility study should have: 1. Clearly identified SSC of the adapted solution for solving the Space Force 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 DoD or Governmental customers. PHASE II: Proposals should only include prototype development, system proof of concept, propulsion-bus integration, full component demonstration and/or test and evaluation of the proposed solution prototype system. These activities should focus specifically on: 1. Evaluating the adapted solution against the proposed objectives and measurable key results. 2. Describing in detail how the installed solution differs from the non-defense commercial offering to solve the Air Force and/or Space Force need(s), as well as how it can be scaled for wide adoption, i.e., modified for scale. 3. Identifying the proposed solution's clear transition path, taking into account input from affected stakeholders, including but not limited to, end users, engineering, sustainment, contracting, finance, legal, and cyber security. 4. Specifying the solution's integration with other current and potential future solutions. 5. Describing the solution's sustainability, i.e., supportability. Identifying other specific DoD or Governmental customers for the solution. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Some solutions may go from Phase II to Phase III as soon as the product-market fit is verified. Potential Phase III awardees will transition to the adapted non-Defense commercial solution to provide expanded mission capability for a broad range of potential Governmental and civilian users and alternate mission applications. REFERENCES: 1. FitzGerald, B., Sander, A., Parziale, J. (2016). Future Foundry: A New Strategic Approach to Military- Technical Advantage. https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/future-foundry.; 2. Blank, S. (2016). The Mission Model Canvas - An Adapted Business Model Canvas for Mission-Driven Organizations. https://steveblank.com/2016/02/23/the-mission-model-canvas-an-adapted-business-model-canvas-for-mission-driven-organizations/.; 3. US Department of Defense. (2018). 2018 National Defense Strategy of the United States Summary. https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf.; 4. Chaplain, C. T. (2016). Space Acquisitions: Challenges Facing DOD as it Changes Approaches to Space Acquisitions. US Government Accountability Office Washington United States. https://www.gao.gov/assets/680/675978.pdf.; 5. Space Capstone Publication, Spacepower (SCP). (2020). https://www.spaceforce.mil/Portals/1/Space%20Capstone%20Publication_10%20Aug%202020.pdf.; KEYWORDS: OTV, fast transfer, Dynamic Space Operations
