Topic

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: The end state of this project is to establish a robust and sustainable framework for Space Sustainment and Maneuver, enabling companies to facilitate movement within the space domain across all orbital regimes, including travel to and from the moon. This initiative aims to overcome current limitations in maneuverability, thereby providing strategic advantages in space operations, such as maintaining initiative, achieving surprise, and outmaneuvering adversaries. By fostering innovation in areas such as on-orbit servicing, refueling, orbital transfer/maneuvers , and payload capabilities, the project seeks to ensure the survivability and effectiveness of space assets in NextGen Warfare scenarios. DESCRIPTION: The work to be accomplished entails a comprehensive exploration of space sustainment and maneuver technologies aimed at advancing superiority in orbital operations. This endeavor encompasses multiple facets, including but not limited to: 1. Core Technology Development: Refining and optimizing sustainment and maneuver solutions for improved maneuverability, efficiency, and strategic advantage. 2. Prototyping and Testing: Developing and testing key components like payloads, refueling systems, and autonomous maneuver strategies. 3. Advanced Payload Systems: Integrating space domain awareness, cognitive radios, on-orbit servicing , and electromagnetic spectrum capabilities. 4. Innovative Refueling Technologies: Implementing innovative solutions, such as optimized propellant selection and architectures for on-orbit refueling. 5. Next-Generation Orbital Transfer/Maneuvers Strategies: Developing efficient orbital transfer/ Maneuver techniques for prolonged asset lifespan and gaining a strategic advantage. 6. Logistics Architecture: Designing robust on-orbit systems for resource management, maintenance, and repair in extended space operations. 7. Enhanced Security Measures: Implementing data protection, cybersecurity, and edge computing solutions for space assets. 8. Integration with Existing Systems: Ensuring seamless integration with current space infrastructure and operational processes. 9. Performance Evaluation: Conducting rigorous testing to validate functionality, reliability, and performance, optimizing prototypes accordingly. 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 a potential Air Force and/or 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 the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Air Force and/or 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: Phase II will focus on further developing the Space Sustainment and Maneuver project to produce a well-defined deliverable prototype. The objectives and expectations for Phase II include: 1. Core Technology Development: Refining and optimizing the proposed solutions identified in Phase I, with a focus on enhancing maneuverability, sustainment, operational efficiency, survivability, and strategic advantage in space operations. 2. Prototyping Expectations: Developing and testing prototypes of key components and systems related to payloads, refueling capabilities, orbital transfer/maneuvers strategies, logistics architecture, autonomous maneuver and RPO, and security measures. Prototyping will involve rigorous testing in simulated and real-world space environments to validate performance and reliability. 3. Advanced Payload Systems: Developing and integrating advanced payload systems that may include but not be limited to cognitive radios, SDA, EMS and servicing capabilities. 4. Innovative Refueling Technologies: Exploring and implementing innovative refueling technologies, such as optimized propellant selection, architecture that enables on-orbit refueling capabilities. These technologies will extend the operational lifespan of space assets and enhance their maneuverability by providing a sustainable source of propulsion. 5. Next-Generation Orbital transfer and Maneuver Strategies: Developing next-generation orbital transfer and maneuver strategies to prolong the operational lifespan of space assets and optimize their positioning for strategic advantage. This will involve the utilization of advanced propulsion systems and autonomous navigation algorithms to efficiently maneuver space assets within orbital regimes. 6. Logistics Architecture for Extended Lifespan Support: Designing and implementing robust logistics architecture to support extended lifespan operations in space. This includes developing systems for resource management, maintenance, and repair to ensure the continued functionality of space assets over extended durations. 7. Enhanced Security Measures: Implementing advanced security measures, including data protection protocols, cybersecurity mechanisms, and edge computing solutions, to safeguard space assets against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. This will involve leveraging state-of-the-art encryption techniques, anomaly detection algorithms, and secure communication protocols to mitigate cybersecurity risks. 8. Integration with Existing Systems: Ensuring seamless integration of developed technologies with existing space infrastructure and systems. This will involve compatibility testing, interoperability assessments, and integration with relevant operational processes to facilitate smooth deployment and operation within the Air Force and/or Space Force ecosystem. 9. Performance Evaluation and Optimization: Establishing rigorous testing requirements and success criteria for the developed prototypes. Conducting comprehensive performance evaluations in simulated and real-world space environments to validate interoperability, functionality, reliability, and performance. Continuously optimizing and refining the prototypes based on feedback and evaluation results to ensure alignment with operational objectives and requirements. Through a collaborative approach involving industry, military, and academia partners, Phase II will drive innovation and technological advancement to achieve strategic superiority in space operations PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III represents the culmination of the Sustained Space Maneuver (SSM) project, where the Department of Defense (DoD) and/or commercial applications of the SBIR/STTR-funded R&D are developed using non-SBIR/STTR funds. The transition from Phase II to Phase III involves transitioning the developed technologies and capabilities into operational use within the DoD and commercial sectors. Expected Phase III Effort: During Phase III, the focus will be on further maturing and transitioning the SSM technologies and capabilities to achieve operational readiness. The expected efforts include: 1. Technology Maturation: Continuing the refinement and maturation of the developed prototypes to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9, indicating full-scale implementation and operational deployment. 2. Commercialization and Integration: Exploring opportunities for commercialization and integration of the space sustainment and maneuver technologies into commercial space operations, leveraging partnerships with industry stakeholders to broaden the applicability and adoption of the developed solutions. 3. Government Approvals: Obtaining necessary government approvals, certifications, and clearances for the deployment and integration of the space sustainment and maneuver technologies within the DoD's space infrastructure. This may include compliance with regulatory frameworks such as ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations). 4. Transition Planning: Developing a comprehensive transition plan outlining the steps and milestones for transitioning the space sustainment and maneuver technologies from the research and development phase to operational deployment. This plan will include timelines, resource allocations, risk mitigation strategies, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure successful transition and adoption. 5. Additional DAF Customer Opportunities: Identifying additional Department of the Air Force (DAF) customer opportunities for the deployment and utilization of the space sustainment and maneuver technologies. This may involve collaborating with various Air Force units, commands, and agencies to identify specific mission requirements and operational needs that can be addressed by the sustainment and maneuver capabilities. Expected TRL at Phase III Entry: At the entry into Phase III, the expected TRL of the sustainment and maneuver technologies will be at TRL 7 or higher. This indicates that the technologies have been demonstrated in a relevant space environment and are ready for further development and integration into operational systems. Transition Planning: Transition planning will involve close collaboration between the project team, government stakeholders, industry partners, and potential end-users to ensure a seamless transition of the sustainment and maneuver technologies from the research and development phase to operational deployment. Key elements of transition planning will include: 1. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with relevant stakeholders, including DoD agencies, commercial partners, and end-users, to gather feedback, assess requirements, and align objectives for successful technology transition and adoption. 2. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with technology transition, including technical, operational, regulatory, and financial risks. Developing contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to address potential obstacles and ensure project success. 3. Resource Allocation: Allocating resources, including funding, personnel, and infrastructure, to support the transition effort. Securing necessary resources and support from both government and industry partners to facilitate technology transition and deployment. 4. Technology Transfer: Implementing processes and mechanisms for technology transfer from the research and development environment to operational users. This may include licensing agreements, technology transfer agreements, and knowledge transfer activities to facilitate the adoption and utilization of the sustainment and maneuver technologies. 5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the progress of technology transition efforts. Tracking key performance indicators, milestones, and outcomes to ensure alignment with project objectives and facilitate continuous improvement throughout the transition process. REFERENCES: 1. https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/3370546/usspacecom-outlines-requirements-for-sustained-maneuver-dynamic-space-operations/.; KEYWORDS: Sustained Space Maneuver (SSM); Orbital Operations; NextGen Warfare; Maneuverability; Strategic Superiority