SpaceWERX Sustained Space Maneuver Challenge

Solicitation site:

Sustained Space Maneuver SSM Challenge (afwerxchallenge.com)

Application Portal:

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/. See Topic #SF243-D018.

Application Deadline: October 16, 2024

SpaceWERX is launching the Sustained Space Maneuver (SSM) Challenge to explore the “art of the possible” for alternative technologies and techniques to enable satellites to move more freely in the space domain (focused on LEO & GEO).

This strategic advantage will assist with dominance and satellite survivability for the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), DoD, Interagency, and U.S. Allied users worldwide.

Overview

While we do not seek conflict in space, we must be prepared for one. There is an evolving threat landscape, and our current assets were designed for a past era of competition. The United States Space Force (USSF) requires the ability to relocate our assets from contested areas to positions where they can be part of the solution, as our conflicts will be dynamic, and our adversaries will also adapt. These abilities to maneuver assets are strategic and focused on deterrence. By maximizing our current capabilities and reconstituting them elsewhere, we enhance our sustained space maneuverability, which allows us to position our forces optimally to achieve mission objectives, deter adversaries by gaining a first-mover advantage, negotiate from a position of strength, and generate flexible combat power across all domains. This approach also reduces the burden of reconstituting our orbital capabilities. Enabling this strategy requires augmented training to reflect combat conditions, policies to provide greater freedom of maneuverability, space domain awareness, modernized communication infrastructure, optimized space operator performance, and commercial support for on-orbit servicing.

Context

The Sustained Space Maneuver Challenge is essential because while we hope to avoid conflict in space, we must be prepared for the possibility. Current space assets were not designed nor are they flexible enough to address today's threats effectively, as USSPACECOM indicated. To counteract these challenges, it is vital to strategically relocate and sustain our assets to deter our adversaries. This strategy enhances our ability to position forces flexibly and deny adversaries first-mover advantages. It also reduces the burden of reconstituting our orbital capabilities and maximizes our combat power across multiple domains. However, achieving these goals involves overcoming significant hurdles, such as inadequate training practices, competing priorities, and outdated communication infrastructures. Moreover, operators have insufficient space domain awareness and high cognitive demands. Additionally, reliance on commercial support for on-orbit servicing remains uncertain, further complicating our ability to maneuver freely in space.

OBJECTIVES

1. Develop a broad range of capabilities and core competencies, to include responsive mobility, refueling, modularity, and autonomous technologies that help provide an?? asymmetric advantage in our ability to protect, defend and sustain space assets.

2. Capitalize and develop both the “Movement” part of this equation and the “effects” that can be delivered (and negated/warded against).

Based on internal knowledge and market research conducted with industry and academia, USSPACECOM has identified an initial set of focus areas to bring structure to the

Note:

• The list of capabilities and technologies provided here should not be considered comprehensive. We are open to additions and improvements.
• While participants may submit one or more entries for each focus area, the same submission may not be applied to multiple focus areas.

FOCUS AREAS

1) Maneuver

Support sustained maneuver by optimizing spacecraft mobility and autonomous/semi-autonomous decision-making for survivability and maneuver without regret.

Key Capabilities

• Novel and versatile #propulsion systems for enhanced mobility
• #Software architecture: parameter procurement/reactive maneuver
• #Autonomy of on-orbit decision-making
• #Modularity via split payload and propulsion
• Moving large high-value assets

Enabling Technologies of Interest:

• Methods for validation and verification of autonomous decision-making such as training datasets and data fusion
• Suite of space situational awareness integrated sensors and associated algorithms for collision avoidance maneuvers for objects in close proximity
• Autonomous guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for in-space navigation
• Multi-mode propulsion system consisting of classical mono-prop or bi-prop systems in combination with electric propulsion systems
• Novel designs for integrated #power processing unit (#PPU) for multi-mode propulsion system
• Novel technology advancements allowing for propulsion subsystem reconfigurable modular design including fuel pumps, tanks, connectors, thrusters, and valves
• Design and manufacture standardized, adaptable connectors capable of concurrently transmitting fluids, gases, power and data between modules assembled in space
• P/L to Bus interface must be operable by low cost, simple robotic arms, and end effectors

2) Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

SDA data needs to be accomplished when we need and where we need it - timely, relevant, accurate, and actionable. SDA provides requisite foundational, current, and predictive knowledge, and characterization of space objects within the space domain. SDA data needs to be optimized to enable safety of maneuver.

Key Capabilities

• High fidelity and frequency Resident Space Object (RSO) information
• Enablement of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)/Zero Proximity Operation (ZPO)?Improved data processing, infusion, collation, and integration
• Improved characterization, identification, and cyber validation of spacecraft
• A low-latency, resilient, and scalable pipeline that provides integrated sensing

Enabling Technologies of Interest:

• High throughput processors capable of operating with parallel processing for trusted onboard processing for missions and functions with high processing, programming, and data needs such as SDA Identification
• Space-rated (rad hardened or tolerant) GPUs, FPGAs, DSP, and microprocessors (comparable to SOTA for #AI/#ML image processing techniques) for improved on-board processing and real-time image processing for RPO/ZPO
• High fidelity and frequency RSO info: Pervasive and novel methods and visualization tools focused on interaction between autonomous systems and human users

3) Rendezvous/Zero-Proximity Operations (RPO & ZPO)

Autonomous and/or semi-autonomous RPO and ZPO utilizing advanced sensors for effective tracking, enhanced mission planning, and a robust modeling and simulation capability that ensures “Do No Harm” to high value on-orbit assets.?

Key Capabilities

• Precise navigation and control through autonomous and semi-autonomous operations
• Enhanced SDA through high-resolution imaging and proximity sensing
• Real-time monitoring and automated maneuvering for collision avoidance
• Improved spacecraft self-awareness via SW/HW data collection and fusion
• Precision propulsive control systems for RPO and ZPO

Enabling Technologies of Interest:

• Advanced optical, radar/lidar, and infrared sensors and imaging systems
• High-performance edge computing and onboard processin
• Navigation and control systems
• Laser and radio frequency inter-satellite communication links
• Advanced propulsion systems
• High-fidelity simulations and digital twins
• Data encryption protection and security

4) On-Orbit Servicing

Servicing framework to support a resilient orbital economy utilizing contract vehicles to reduce risk and increase effectiveness.

Key Capabilities

• Rapid removal/replacement structural interface
• In-space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM)
• Modular subsystem design (primarily propulsion) to enable ease of repair and assembly, scalable from 6U sized satellites and upwards
• Low cost #robotic and dexterous manipulators
• Transportation and storage of service material or modular systems either from earth-to-space or space (depot)-to-serviced satellite
• RPO services for inspection
• In-space sustainment enterprise

Enabling Technologies of Interest:

• Autonomous and semi-autonomous operations
• Grappling and docking
• Navigation and control systems
• Low-cost in-space robotics, including dexterous repair manipulators
• Technology integration discussed in the other focus areas for a system or mission solution
• Novel approaches for resource allocation, distribution, and scheduling to enable a servicing mission to be planned and executed within 72 hours of authorization

5) Payloads

Servicing framework to support a resilient orbital economy utilizing contract vehicles to reduce risk and increase effectiveness

Key Capabilities

• Advanced power systems
• Rad hardening and redundancy on key components
• Advanced health monitoring and telemetry
• Mission configurable payloads
• Modularity via split payload and propulsion or ISAM

Enabling Technologies of Interest:

• Novel technologies enabling continuous sensor utilization and long life
• Low thermal footprint devices
• Multi-use components with primary and secondary functions
• Universal BUS interfaces with established standards
• Modular plug-and-play interfacing with industry/government standard products
• Open-source interfaces for future adaptability and reuse
• Design and manufacture standardized, adaptable connectors capable of concurrently transmitting power and data between modules assembled in space
• Payload to bus interface operable by low cost, simple robotic arms, and end effectors

6) Refueling?

Means of storing and moving fuel; systems to either re-purpose existing fuel, refueling capability, or offer alternative propulsion.

Key Capabilities

• Servicing, including autonomous servicing
• Fuel transfer operations with fuel metering

Enabling Technologies of Interest:

• In-space refueling enterprise architecture
• Adaptor refueling interface
• Novel/common fluid transfer mechanism for all types of propellants and a majority of cap and valves used in US systems (hydrazine, electric-prop propellants, xenon, cryogenics, etc.)
• Propellant distribution architecture design

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) and USSPACECOM welcome involvement from individuals or teams in industry, academia, investing, and government. We encourage working with partners or teams to meet or exceed the evaluation criteria.

What do you stand to gain?

• ?The potential to receive funding for concept development and/or rapid prototyping and prospective further development of your solution within USSPACECOM
• Official recognition for you and your organization, if selected, through publication on internal and external USSPACECOM communication channels
• Opportunity to collaborate and work with industry and the government to positively impact our Airmen and Guardians, ultimately creating a more resilient and mission-ready military force
• Potential invitation to attend the Challenge Showcase to network with peers, USSPACECOM, Department of Defense (DoD) customers, and other investors
• Ability to network throughout the government and DoD
• Potential long-term contract or agreement and continuing business relationships with the Air Force and other government agencies
• Opportunity for teaming and technology development

SUBMISSION OF SOLUTION

Participation in this challenge requires a completed submission using the SBIR/STTR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/. See Topic #SF243-D018. The submission period opens on 09/18/2024 and ends on 10/16/2024 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

JOIN THE UPCOMING WEBINAR SERIES

Want to learn about our Challenge objectives, guidelines, and evaluation criteria? We’ll cover these topics and more in a series of informational webinars. Each session will be dedicated to specific Challenge focus areas:

1. SSM Challenge: Focus area On-Orbit Servicing & Payloads | September 24 - 1-2 PM EST |?REGISTER
2. SSM Challenge: Focus area RPO, ZPO & Maneuver | October 1 - 1-2 PM EST |?REGISTER
3. SSM Challenge: Focus area Space Domain Awareness & Refueling | October 3 - 2-3 PM EST? |?REGISTER

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We’ll also reserve plenty of time for Q&A with potential Challenge participants!