Autonomous Space Cargo Network (ASCN): AI-Driven Logistics Automation and Digital Twin Integration for Space Mobility
ID: SF254-01001Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Autonomous Space Cargo Network (ASCN): AI-Driven Logistics Automation and Digital Twin Integration for Space Mobility

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH

Topic Link

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop an Autonomous Space Cargo Network (ASCN) that integrates AI-driven logistics automation and digital twin technology for enhanced space mobility. The primary objective is to create a system that modernizes cargo handling and logistics operations at the Space Joint Movement Complex (SJMC), improving operational efficiency, accuracy, and resilience in both contested and commercial environments. This initiative is crucial for establishing a scalable, cybersecure logistics framework that supports U.S. Space Force sustainment strategies and future space missions. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on July 23, 2025, with applications due by August 20, 2025, and can find more information at the official SBIR website.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    PDF.html
    Please provide the text that you would like summarized.
    Similar Opportunities
    Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions through its Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) Challenge, aimed at enhancing autonomous, resilient, and intelligent space operations across various orbital environments, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), eXtended GEO (XGEO), and cislunar space. The primary objective of this initiative is to explore emerging technical concepts that address foundational gaps in space asset management under contested and communication-degraded conditions, with a focus on edge computing, sensor payloads, and spacecraft bus design. This opportunity is critical for advancing the USSF's capabilities in space domain awareness and battle management, ultimately supporting national security objectives. Interested parties must submit their proposals by December 31, 2025, with a Phase I emphasis on feasibility studies and collaboration with research institutions, leading to potential Phase II prototype development.
    Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an Integrated Science and Technology (S&T) Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Task Force Futures (TF-F) and other USSF stakeholders. The platform is intended to provide a secure, modular, and user-centric system that offers comprehensive visibility into the industry and investment ecosystem, focusing on S&T capabilities, capital flow patterns, and innovation trends relevant to future space operations. This initiative is critical for improving the alignment of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) priorities with commercial innovation, reducing inefficiencies, and strengthening institutional knowledge for data-informed co-investment strategies. Interested parties should note that this is a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) effort, requiring prior feasibility work, with proposals due by December 31, 2025. For more information, applicants can visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a knowledge-guided test and evaluation framework tailored for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a rapidly evolving constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective is to develop an adaptive test-planning capability that continuously updates system performance, quantifies knowledge gain against resource costs, and dynamically re-plans test sequences to prioritize high-utility activities, utilizing probabilistic reasoning and integrating both synthetic and live test data. This initiative is critical for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of test campaigns in support of SDA's agile acquisition model, with Phase I being a direct-to-Phase II proposal process requiring a feasibility study. The opportunity is set to open for applications on December 10, 2025, with a closing date of December 31, 2025, and interested parties can find more information at the provided source link.
    Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment tailored for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The objective is to develop an adaptable software platform capable of ingesting, integrating, and analyzing high-volume, low-latency data from diverse space-based sources, enhancing real-time situational awareness and mission adaptability for the Department of Defense’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This initiative is critical for enabling automated decision-making and timely execution of operations, supporting the USSF's goal of improving data-to-decision agility and operational responsiveness. Interested parties must prepare Direct-to-Phase II proposals, demonstrating a completed feasibility study and a clear integration plan with Department of Air Force operations, with the application deadline set for December 31, 2025.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Boost-Phase Missile Defense in the Endo-Atmospheric Region -
    DOD
    The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is soliciting innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) capable of conducting boost-phase missile defense within the endo-atmospheric region, specifically below 120 km altitude. The initiative aims to address critical capability gaps by developing compact, high-performance platforms that enable rapid, precise, and survivable engagements from space, focusing on high-G propulsion systems, advanced seekers, and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) interceptors integrated into space vehicles. This effort is crucial for establishing a layered missile defense architecture and enhancing national security against evolving missile threats. Interested parties should prepare Direct-to-Phase-II proposals, as Phase I awards will not be made, with applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of space-based interceptors (SBIs) designed to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phases of flight. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a layered missile defense architecture that integrates advanced sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities, focusing on compact, high-performance interceptors that can operate in extreme thermal environments and manage unpredictable trajectories. The opportunity is structured as a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility and provide a comprehensive development timeline, with key deadlines set for proposal submission by December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official solicitation portal at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Unbiased Behavioral Discovery Platforms -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of unbiased behavioral discovery platforms aimed at enhancing the detection and development of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological threats. The primary objective is to create automated systems capable of quantifying novel animal behaviors in preclinical models with greater sensitivity and specificity than current methodologies, while minimizing variability and ethical concerns associated with traditional animal testing. This initiative is critical for accelerating the identification of effective medical countermeasures and improving defense health capabilities. Interested parties should note that the opportunity is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for the Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) under the SBIR program. The objective is to create an acoustic-based communication system that enables small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) within a swarm to communicate and determine their relative positions using sound generated by their propellers as a carrier wave. This technology is crucial for military applications where multiple drones operate in close proximity without relying on GPS or radio frequencies, enhancing their operational effectiveness and safety. Interested parties should prepare to submit their proposals by December 31, 2025, with the feasibility study phase (Phase I) focusing on system design options and achievable data rates, followed by prototype development in Phase II. For more details, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    OPEN TOPIC - Expeditionary Biologics-on-Demand (BOND) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the "OPEN TOPIC - Expeditionary Biologics-on-Demand (BOND)" initiative, aimed at developing a portable, high-performance system for point-of-care protein production. The primary objective is to enhance protein purity, potency, and quality through automated process control, utilizing soft sensors, machine learning, and real-time data analytics to optimize production parameters. This initiative is crucial for improving supply chain resilience and expanding medical countermeasure capabilities by enabling on-site protein production in forward-deployed locations. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is currently in pre-release, with the open date set for December 10, 2025, and the application due date on December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection, aimed at providing early warning of chemical threats. The objective is to create a low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) microsensor capable of detecting chemical weapons agents and pharmaceutical-based agents in vapor and aerosol forms within a critical timeframe of 10 minutes. This technology is crucial for enhancing rapid response and decision-making in both military and civilian contexts, particularly for first responders in environmental detection and health monitoring. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with the opportunity opening on December 10, 2025, and further details can be found at the DoD SBIR website.