OBJECTIVE
The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions to mature key technologies that enable commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. As the Department of Defense's (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) continues to expand, there is a need for safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms particularly for satellites that experience mission-ending anomalies and cannot autonomously de-orbit.
Rather than fielding bespoke government solutions, SDA aims to catalyze a commercially sustainable market for DaaS by investing in maturing subsystems necessary for future on-orbit servicing. This topic seeks to prototype and validate technologies that reduce technical and operational risks for DaaS offerings and establish a foundation for future on-orbit demonstration missions. Proposed solutions may include, but are not limited to:
- Validation of rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies such as sensors, vision-based navigation, and autonomous maneuver planning in simulated or lab-based environments
- Demonstration of universal capture mechanisms compatible with multiple PWSA bus types, leveraging modular and non-invasive design principles
- Evaluation of collision avoidance and trajectory planning techniques through high-fidelity software simulations
- Design recommendations for future PWSA spacecraft that improve serviceability and reduce integration friction with DaaS providers
Proposals should focus on developing capabilities that can be commercialized and integrated into a broader orbital debris mitigation and satellite servicing ecosystem. A successful effort will reduce the timeline for fielding U.S.-based DaaS capabilities and improve long-term resilience, safety, and sustainability in LEO.
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
The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is leading the development and deployment of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) a resilient, scalable constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) designed to provide global military sensing and data transport. As PWSA deployment advances, some satellites will inevitably experience end-of-life anomalies, such as propulsion failures or loss of communications, that prevent safe, controlled de-orbiting.
Rather than developing bespoke government capabilities, the USSF and SDA intend to leverage commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) offerings to remove defunct PWSA satellites and reduce long-term orbital debris risks. Recent 120-day vendor studies have identified areas that must be addressed before DaaS operations can be safely proceed on-orbit. This topic seeks to mature and prototype enabling technologies through focused ground testing and risk-reduction efforts, including:
- Validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies such as sensors, autonomy software, and computer vision algorithms through lab-based tests
- Demonstrating universal capture mechanisms compatible with multiple PWSA bus designs using hardware testbeds or robotic systems
- Evaluating collision-avoidance strategies using high-fidelity simulations to assess response accuracy, decision logic, and maneuver safety
- Recommending satellite design enhancements that simplify future servicing, including passive aids or standardized interface features
This effort supports USSF and SDA's broader objective of enabling a commercially viable, scalable U.S. DaaS ecosystem capable of supporting both defense and commercial pLEO operators. Solutions should reduce technology risk, inform future demonstrations, and contribute to long-term space sustainability.
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
Phase II will focus on maturing enabling technologies that support commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) operations for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The goal of this phase is to conduct extensive ground testing and prototyping to reduce technical and operational risks associated with on-orbit DaaS missions. Key technology development areas may include:
- Validation of rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) capabilities through laboratory testing of sensors, guidance software, and computer vision algorithms
- Development and demonstration of universal capture system prototypes compatible with multiple PWSA bus interfaces via hardware testbeds or robotic arms
- High-fidelity simulation of collision-avoidance tactics, including autonomous maneuvering logic and fail-safe protocols
- Engineering recommendations to make future PWSA satellites more service-friendly, such as standardized grappling features or interface aids
Key deliverables for Phase II may include:
- Comprehensive test reports summarizing lab demonstrations, hardware testing, and simulation outcomes
- A detailed technical risk assessment, showing how the proposed technologies reduce hazards and increase reliability for future on-orbit use
- A draft on-orbit demonstration plan, identifying a suitable PWSA asset, required spacecraft interfaces, operational concept, and success criteria
- A draft commercialization strategy, outlining how the technology can transition into a scalable DaaS offering post-demonstration
This phase is intended to bridge the gap between concept and flight demonstration, laying the technical foundation necessary for future SDA mission integration and broader commercial viability.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Phase III will focus on transitioning the de-orbit demonstration capability into a fully operational, commercially viable De-Orbit-as-a-Service (DaaS) offering. This effort aims to support both government and commercial proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations with scalable, on-demand end-of-life satellite disposal solutions Phase III/Dual use may include:
- Scaling the validated technology from Phase II into an operational system capable of servicing a broader set of satellite platforms and customers
- Establishing strategic partnerships with commercial satellite operators, launch providers, and ground segment infrastructure to enable full-service DaaS delivery
- Standing up ground operations centers (as needed) to support mission planning, tasking, and RPO control
- Refining the business model and pricing structure to ensure sustainable return on investment (ROI) within 3 5 years post-service launch
- Addressing regulatory, licensing, and safety requirements, including compliance with orbital debris mitigation standards and coordination with global space traffic management entities
Phase III activities should demonstrate the ability to execute routine de-orbit operations with high reliability and responsiveness, enabling a new commercial capability aligned with both U.S. Space Force and global space sustainability goals. This capability will help mitigate collision risks, reduce long-term debris growth, and enhance the resilience of current and future pLEO architectures.
REFERENCES
STEC BAA Amendment: Call for Proposals for Studies for On-demand Space Vehicle De-orbit as a Service. Space Development Agency (SDA) (2024, March 25). https://www.sda.mil/stec-baa-amendment-call-for-proposals-for-studies-for-on-demand-space-vehicle-de-orbit-as-a-service/.
NASA Small Satellite State-of-the-Art Report. NASA. (2025, February 14). https://www.nasa.gov/smallsat-institute/sst-soa/.
DoD Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (2019, November). https://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/usg_orbital_debris_mitigation_standard_practices_november_2019.pdf.
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