Self-Regulating Heaters for Satellites
ID: SF24B-T008Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

Self-Regulating Heaters for Satellites

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2605999

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Apr 17, 2024 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open May 15, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development and commercialization of self-regulating heaters for use on satellites in any earth orbit. Self-regulating heaters are 'smart' heaters that automatically warm each region of the heater circuit to a designed setpoint without the need for a temperature sensor. The objective of this solicitation is to address the insufficiencies of existing self-regulating heaters for space applications, such as their form factor, resistance transition process, and ability to handle the space environment. The proposed technology must be capable of achieving a turndown ratio between electrical resistances above and below the setpoint temperature, operating with any voltage between 12 and 100 VDC, and yielding designs with heat flux ranging from 1 to 10 W/in2. It should also be able to withstand exposure to environments in low earth orbit (LEO), middle earth orbit (MEO), or geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO), including vacuum, ionizing radiation, and thermal cycling. The manufacturing process should be scalable, and proposers must demonstrate a strong intent and capability to commercialize the technology. The project will be conducted in two phases, with Phase I focusing on feasibility and prototype development, and Phase II focusing on increasing performance, manufacturability, and scalability. The culmination of Phase II will involve the delivery of 10 functional, tested self-regulating heaters. In Phase III, the awardee(s) will develop, produce, and bring to market a fully flight qualified self-regulating heater product line and transition the technology to at least one satellite integrator. The solicitation is open until June 12, 2024. For more information, visit the solicitation link.

Files
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