Trusted Automated Satellite Operations for Mission Life
ID: SF241-0020Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Trusted Automated Satellite Operations for Mission Life

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479873

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for their SBIR 24.1 BAA solicitation, specifically for the topic of "Trusted Automated Satellite Operations for Mission Life". The objective of this research is to develop an on-orbit autonomous software suite or architecture that can autonomously evaluate and recommend courses of action for spacecraft in a contested space environment. The technology should enable long periods of time without operator intervention and extend throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. The desired capabilities include data analytics techniques, validation and verification methods, visualization tools, a cyber-secure environment, and electronics capability for computation and course of action execution on-orbit.

    In Phase I, a comprehensive review of current research in spacecraft autonomy will be conducted, and the possible requirements for an integrated autonomy suite will be investigated. The deliverable should be a critical design review (CDR) quality engineering artifact or a demonstration of lifecycle autonomy on a testbed.

    Phase II will involve building and delivering a breadboard or hardware in the loop (HIL) quality solution, demonstrated on at least one form factor size, ranging from a 6U CubeSat to a rideshare class vehicle. The solution should maintain vehicle operations in all three life phases and ensure positive energy balance, pointing stability, and operational environments for payloads.

    In Phase III, the prototype lifetime autonomous system will be tested by a government-sponsored entity to validate its capability. Transition opportunities for utilization in approved government and civilian applications will be evaluated and documented.

    The solicitation is closed, and more information can be found on the Defense SBIR/STTR website.

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