The Department of Defense, through the Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tap Lab, is seeking innovative software solutions for the automatic detection and notification of foreign space launches. The objective is to develop a capability that integrates with existing workflows and utilizes open data sources, such as seismic sensors and accelerometer data, to provide real-time or near real-time identification of launch events. This initiative is critical for enhancing strategic and tactical awareness of space operations, allowing for timely tracking and analysis of foreign launches. Interested parties should note that the application due date is October 23, 2024, and further details can be found on the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

Early knowledge of space vehicle launches provide a massive value for strategic and tactical purposes. The speed of notification plays a large role in tipping and queuing sensors which leads to early tracking ability of the newly launched vehicle. A space launch starts when the main engine of a space launch vehicle ignites. This activity is typically easy to detect by space-based infrared (IR) sensors and serves as the DoD&rsquo;s primary mechanism to detect launches. The orbit of the launch vehicle is then published to public websites typically within a few hours of launch. Once that information becomes public, commercial sensors can then be tasked to track the launch. Having advanced and/or real-time knowledge of when a launch occurs can enable a commercial sensor to search and track the launch vehicle at a much faster rate than currently happening. Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tap Lab is seeking solutions to provide a software capability that can automatically and in real-time detect and notify the time and location of foreign space launches. The solution is open to creative problem solving by the proposing organization but has an expectation to incorporate and leverage open data sources in the analysis. Those data sources include by are not limited to 1) Scientific seismic sensors and networks such as FDSN and IRIS; 2) Cell phone accelerometer data from systems such as Android ShakeAlert system or; 3) Scientific or commercial weather satellite data such as GOES or Himawari. This task includes five subtasks; 1) Process input data from seismic, accelerometer, or other sources; 2) Detect acoustic, seismic, or kinetic events and correlation to launch events; 3) Associate multiple cross domain data detections to a single launch event; 4) Estimate launch location of associated event and; 5) Predict the ascent trajectory of a detected launch event. The software product must be able to be integrated into existing toolchains that are used by USSF operators and the SDA Tap Lab. As this capability is only one specific functionality to be used in conjunction with other tools to provide a wholistic understanding of space domain awareness and space operations, it is pivotal that the solution be able to seamless integrate with existing systems through API call. The solution must also meet all development and operational requirements for system integration and use on classified systems. 

## Objective

Delivery of software capability that automatically identifies and detects foreign space launches. Solution must be able to integrate with existing workflows through open API that can be leveraged with existing systems and meets development and operational environment requirements.

## 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.&nbsp;The feasibility study should have:<ol><li>Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Air Force and/or Space Force need(s).</li><li>Described the pathway to integrating with DAF operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigateapplicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant systems and/or processes.</li><li>Describe if and how the solution can be used by other DoD or Governmental customers.</li></ol>In addition to feasibility applicants should demonstrate a framework design to use as proof of concept that can detect a launch event. The tool should be able to accurately detect, identify, and locate a launch event.

## Phase II

Phase II aims to deliver a software capability that automatically identifies and detects the time and location of foreign space launches in real-time or near real-time. This solution will build upon the capabilities developed in Phase I and will incorporate and leverage open data sources such as seismic sensors, accelerometer data from systems like the Android ShakeAlert system, and scientific or commercial weather satellite data. The development process will entail five key subtasks: processing input data from seismic, accelerometer, or other sources; detecting acoustic, seismic, or kinetic events and correlating them to launch events; associating multiple cross-domain data detections to a single launch event; estimating the launch location of associated events; and predicting the ascent trajectory of detected launch events. The refined software product must seamlessly integrate with existing toolchains used by USSF operators and the SDA Tap Lab, meeting all development and operational requirements for system integration and use on classified systems. Additionally, Phase II will focus on improving evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, and F1 score, while also expanding the breadth of input data to further enhance the scope of foreign space launch events being assessed.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Phase III will focus on scaling the finalized model developed in Phase II to encompass the analysis of all launch events, significantly broadening its scope and utility. This expanded capability will enable comprehensive analysis of launch activities beyond just foreign space launches, enhancing space domain awareness and operational readiness. Additionally, Phase III will further enhance notification functionality to provide timely and actionable alerts regarding all significant launch events. This may involve the development of advanced notification systems capable of disseminating critical information to relevant stakeholders in real-time or near-real-time, facilitating prompt decision-making and response. Furthermore, Phase III will involve the integration of additional data sources and analytical techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of launch event analysis and notification capabilities. Collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Air Force, Space Force, and other governmental agencies, will be essential to ensure alignment with operational requirements and maximize the utility of the solution. Additionally, the solution developed in Phase III will have dual-use potential, providing valuable insights and capabilities that can benefit both military and civilian applications, thereby maximizing its societal and economic impact.

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