The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Space Force (USSF), is seeking proposals for the development of an Autonomous Modular Material Handling Equipment (MHE) system designed for space logistics operations. The objective is to create a rugged, air-transportable system capable of autonomously or semi-autonomously loading, transporting, and unloading heavy military cargo in austere environments, thereby enhancing logistics agility and mission responsiveness. This initiative addresses the critical need for efficient material handling in infrastructure-limited settings, supporting expeditionary space logistics missions. Interested parties must submit their proposals by August 20, 2025, with the opportunity being part of the SBIR program, and further details can be found at the provided source link.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sustainment & Logistics 

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. 

OBJECTIVE: The goal for this effort is to design, develop, and demonstrate a modular, autonomous or semi-autonomous material handling system capable of loading, transporting, and unloading heavy military cargo in support of expeditionary space logistics missions. The solution should be air- and space-transportable, compatible with existing U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) cargo handling platforms, and capable of operating on both improved surfaces and austere terrain with minimal infrastructure. The system must be rugged, durable, and capable of supporting distributed operations in extreme environmental conditions while enhancing logistics agility, mission responsiveness, and safety in support of U.S. Space Force (USSF) sustainment objectives. 

DESCRIPTION: Space logistics operations—including launch, landing, and transshipment—require material handling equipment (MHE) that can function in environments with little to no infrastructure. Traditional MHE platforms are not optimized for the unique mobility, durability, and transportability requirements of these missions, particularly in remote or contested locations where rapid deployment and turnaround are critical. To address this gap, the USSF and Space Systems Command (SSC) seek the development of a rugged, modular, and air-transportable MHE system capable of autonomously or semi-autonomously loading, moving, and unloading heavy military cargo. The system should support operations across a range of platforms and environments, enabling expeditionary sustainment for emerging space access and mobility missions. The solution should be capable of: 

- Lifting and maneuvering standard cargo formats, including 463L pallets (up to 10,355 lbs.) and 20-foot ISO containers (up to 20,000 lbs.);  
- Operating in austere terrain such as sand, mud, hills, and unprepared surfaces; 
- Supporting multiple control modes: manual, joystick-operated, and autonomous; 
- Being self-loadable/unloadable and air-transportable in C-130, C-17, and C-5 aircraft; 
- Integrating with existing DoD cargo handling systems and container formats; 
- Including sensor suites (e.g., cameras, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), remote control interfaces) to support operator safety and situational awareness; 
- Withstanding harsh environmental conditions (e.g., electromagnetic interference (EMI) exposure, extreme temperatures, high humidity, corrosion-prone environments); 
- Utilizing modular rollers, rails, and winches for flexible cargo control and rapid field maintenance. 

Testing and demonstration of the prototype are anticipated at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (SFS) and/or Vandenberg Space Force Base (SFB) to validate the system’s performance under operationally realistic conditions. This topic seeks a Minimal Viable Solution (MVS) that delivers functional autonomy, transportability, and ruggedization while supporting distributed logistics, energy efficiency, and the sustainment posture outlined in the USSF Mission Sustainment Strategy. 

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 and Phase I proposals will not be accepted. 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 the Air Force (DAF) customer and end-user. The feasibility study should have: 

1. Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving USAF and/or USSF 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: This Phase II effort aims to design, develop, and demonstrate a full-scale, modular material handling equipment (MHE) system capable of autonomously or semi-autonomously executing cargo loading, transport, and unloading operations in support of space logistics missions. The prototype should be tested under relevant environmental and operational conditions to validate its effectiveness in austere and infrastructure-limited environments such as spaceports, launchpads, and forward operating locations. This effort will emphasize system ruggedness, transportability, operational flexibility, and integration with current DoD logistics platforms, supporting rapid deployment and enhanced sustainment capabilities for the USSF. Expected capabilities include: 

- Lift and maneuver standard 463L pallets and 20-ft ISO containers 
- Operate autonomously or via manual/joystick control in austere terrain 
- Self-load/unload into C-130, C-17, and C-5 aircraft 
- Endure extreme environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, corrosion, EMI) 
- Support modular maintenance and scalable upgrades 
- Provide operator safety through integrated sensors and remote-control functionality 

Deliverables may include: 
- A fully functional, fieldable prototype of the MHE platform 
- Integrated autonomy and control systems with multi-mode operations 
- Technical data package including CAD files, system architecture, and interface control documentation 

Testing reports documenting include: 
- Maneuverability and terrain performance 
- Environmental durability (e.g., thermal range, corrosion, EMI tolerance) 
- Field demonstration at SSC, Cape Canaveral SFS, or Vandenberg SFB 
- Integration roadmap for connecting with DoD cargo management platforms and logistics workflows 

This Phase II effort should result in a prototype that is scalable, maintainable, and ready for operational assessment under realistic mission scenarios, ultimately supporting the goal of distributed, energy-efficient space logistics. 

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The developed material handling equipment (MHE) system is expected to transition into operational use across USSF, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), and other DoD logistics units. Its ability to autonomously manage cargo movement in infrastructure-limited environments supports key mission areas such as: 

- Expeditionary air and space logistics 
- Launch and recovery site cargo handling 
- Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and Distributed Operations 
- Rapid transshipment at Space Mobility nodes 

The Phase III system will enable secure, autonomous or semi-autonomous loading/unloading of critical assets at launchpads, forward operating locations, and contested logistics zones. Commercial applications include: 

- The system also holds strong commercial potential, with applications in industries and scenarios that require autonomous heavy cargo handling in rugged or remote environments, including: 
- Spaceport and aerospace logistics operations 
- Emergency response and humanitarian aid delivery 
- Remote construction, mining, or energy site logistics 
- Commercial freight terminals requiring modular autonomous MHE 

Key Performance Characteristics Targeted for Operational Transition include: 
- Capable of lifting and transporting payloads up to 20,000 lbs.  
- Operates in autonomous, semi-autonomous (joystick), or remote-control modes 
- Functions for 5+ continuous hours under operational loads 
- Operates in -60°F to 125°F temperatures with up to 100% humidity 
- Capable of maneuvering on 17% inclines, executing 90° turns at 3 MPH 
- Compliant with C5 corrosion resistance classification 
- Equipped with modular roller and rail systems for efficient container handling 
- Integrated 360° situational awareness via sensors and camera systems 
- Supports dual-voltage charging (110V–240V) for global deployment compatibility 

For the transition strategy, consider military adoption through SSC, USTRANSCOM, and Combatant Command logistics units and civilian adoption through partnerships with logistics providers, spaceport operators, emergency response agencies, and industrial automation companies. Technology readiness targeted at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 or 9, with system ready for full-scale production and integration into DoD and commercial operations. 

REFERENCES: 

1. U.S. Space Force. (2023, March). Mission sustainment strategy. Office of the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear (SF/S4O). https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/webform/documents/26816/2023_%20USSF%20Mission%20Sustainment%20Strategy%20efile_signatures.pdf.  
 
2. United States Space Force. (2022, December). Space Doctrine Publication 4-0: Sustainment. Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM). https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/SDP%204-0%20Sustainment%20(Signed).pdf?ver=jFc_4BiAkDjJdc49LmESgg%3D%3D.  

KEYWORDS: Material Handling Equipment; Expeditionary Logistics; Autonomous Transport; Corrosion-Resistant Systems; 463L Pallet; ISO Container; C-130/C-17/C-5 Load Integration

Autonomous Modular Material Handling Equipment for Space Logistics Operations

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