The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Miniature Smart Satellite Threat Warning Sensor" as part of the SBIR 23.3 BAA. The objective is to develop a low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) smart multi-threat warning autonomous sensor with an extremely low false alarm rate. The sensor design should be manufacturing-friendly and launch- and space-qualified for the SDA transport and tracking constellations in low earth orbit (LEO).
In Phase I, the government expects applicants to demonstrate feasibility through a prior "Phase I-type" effort. This includes providing a list of microelectronic components and structural materials that have flown in LEO or can be space certified, identifying machine learning software modifiable for the chosen threat sensor suite, and proposing a list of low-power space-qualified processors. Conceptual sketches of the minimum SWaP earth pointing observing system are also required.
Phase II involves conducting a laboratory brass-board demonstration in a vacuum chamber to stimulate the threat sensor prototype system with low-power threat-based RF and laser signals. A draft manufacturing plan and a draft flight test plan for Phase III are also required.
In Phase III, the goal is to conduct flight tests to evaluate the sensor system's performance in LEO space environmental conditions and its low false alert rate. The technology developed in this project has potential dual-use applications in commercial constellation systems for failure diagnostics and commercial ISR services.
The solicitation is closed, and more information can be found on the DoD SBIR 23.3 BAA website.