Large Bio-Mechanical Space Structures
ID: DARPA-SN-25-51Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/426e5868fcf74dd4ada3768b00b09234/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is seeking innovative responses to a Request for Information (RFI) focused on the development of large bio-mechanical space structures, such as space elevators and debris remediation nets. The objective is to explore the feasibility of utilizing advances in biological engineering and metabolic processes to create structures exceeding 500 meters, which could significantly reduce payload requirements from Earth. This initiative is critical for advancing in-situ grown structures that offer structural rigidity and controlled growth directionality, thereby enhancing capabilities in space exploration and utilization. Interested parties must submit their responses by March 27, 2025, in a specified format, and can direct inquiries to Dr. Michael "Orbit" Nayak at DARPA via email at DARPA-SN-25-51@darpa.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Michael "Orbit" Nayak, Ph.D.
    DARPA-SN-25-51@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DARPA-SN-25-51.pdf
    The DARPA Request for Information (RFI) aims to explore the feasibility of developing large bio-mechanical space structures, such as space elevators and debris remediation nets, utilizing advances in biological engineering and metabolic processes. Responses are due by March 27, 2025, to inform DARPA of potential development pathways for structures over 500 meters, which could reduce the payload needed from Earth. Applicants are encouraged to address specific use cases, co-engineering between biological and mechanical disciplines, and methods for providing essential feedstock for growth in space. The document emphasizes the significant value proposition of in-situ grown structures, stressing the importance of structural rigidity and control over growth directionality. A hybrid workshop in April 2025 will facilitate discussions on emerging research and technical insights. Responses should be succinct and non-proprietary, prepared in a specified format, with a focus on actionable information. This RFI is designed to gather innovative ideas and assess future DARPA investments in the field of bio-mechanical engineering in space.
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    Large Bio-Mechanical Space Structures
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