Affordable IR Sensors for Proliferated LEO Missile Tracking Constellation
ID: SF254-D1207Type: Phase II
Overview

Topic

Affordable IR Sensors for Proliferated LEO Missile Tracking Constellation

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: Phase II

Topic Link

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

Additional Information

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

    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking proposals for the development of affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies as part of the SF254-D1207 project. The objective is to create innovative sensor solutions that can detect and track missile threats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) while significantly reducing costs and complexity, with a focus on radiation tolerance, small satellite compatibility, and efficient manufacturing processes. These sensors are critical for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other missile warning constellations, enhancing national security capabilities. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by January 28, 2026, with the opportunity being pre-released on September 3, 2025, and further details available at the official solicitation agency website.

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    Title
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    1762382891898.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks to develop affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies for space-based missile detection and tracking. This initiative, part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), aims to overcome the high cost and complexity of current IR sensors for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. The objective is to produce a sensor prototype demonstrating sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended LEO operations, and suitability for small satellite platforms, all while achieving significant cost reductions (at least 30% lower than current sensors). The project emphasizes innovative materials, manufacturing processes, and sensor architecture to enable scalable production. This direct-to-Phase II effort requires applicants to have already completed a feasibility study and validated product-mission fit. Phase II will focus on developing and demonstrating MWIR sensor prototypes, with deliverables including fabricated engineering units, test data, and a cost-reduction analysis. Success hinges on achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 and demonstrating compliance with smallsat constraints. Phase III will transition the matured technology into operational deployment across DoD space systems and commercial applications, focusing on scalable production and system-level integration with the PWSA Tracking Layer.
    1762387307015.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks to develop affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies for space-based missile detection and tracking. This initiative aims to produce a complete sensor prototype demonstrating high sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operations, and suitability for small satellite platforms, all while significantly reducing costs. The goal is to enable scalable production and integration into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other next-generation missile warning constellations. The project targets MWIR operation in the 3–5 µm band, radiation tolerance for five years in LEO, compatibility with smallsat constraints, and a projected unit production cost at least 30% lower than current comparable space-qualified IR sensors. The effort is structured to move directly into Phase II, focusing on prototype development, fabrication, and demonstration to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. Phase III will emphasize transitioning the matured technology into operational deployment across DoD space systems and commercial applications, with a clear plan for volume production and integration into SDA’s Tracking Layer.
    1762560123994.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks proposals for affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies. These sensors are crucial for space-based missile detection, tracking, and defense within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other next-generation missile warning constellations. The objective is to develop a complete sensor prototype demonstrating sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operations, and suitability for small satellite platforms, all while significantly reducing costs through innovative materials, manufacturing processes, or sensor architectures. This effort prioritizes MWIR operation in the 3–5 µm band, sensitivity for missile plume detection, five-year LEO radiation tolerance, compatibility with smallsat constraints, and a projected unit production cost at least 30% lower than current comparable space-qualified IR sensors. The topic is designed for Direct-to-Phase II proposals, requiring applicants to demonstrate a
    1762646519915.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions to develop a secure, modular, and user-centric platform. This platform, known as SF254-D1201: Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform, aims to provide comprehensive information and decision support to Task Force Futures (TF-F) and other USSF innovation stakeholders. The primary objective is to offer a consolidated and holistic view of the industry and investment ecosystem, specifically focusing on science and technology (S&T) capabilities, capital flow patterns, and innovation trends relevant to future space operations. The solution will enhance the USSF's ability to track S&T portfolios, integrate business intelligence, align innovation activities with strategic priorities, reduce inefficiencies in RDT&E demand signals, and strengthen institutional knowledge retention for co-investment strategies. This Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) effort emphasizes interoperability with existing government data, usability across classified and unclassified environments, and scalability for broader USSF adoption. Phase II will focus on developing a working prototype to assess technology trajectories, analyze capital flow, capture institutional knowledge, facilitate co-investment planning, enable situational awareness, and ensure data governance. Phase III will transition the platform into operational government use and commercial markets, focusing on commercialization, regulatory compliance, transition planning, and exploring additional Department of the Air Force (DAF) customer opportunities to enhance national security and economic competitiveness.
    1762819318483.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks to develop affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies for space-based missile detection and tracking. This initiative, part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tracking Layer, aims to reduce the cost and complexity of current IR sensor technologies while maintaining or improving performance. Key objectives include MWIR operation in the 3–5 µm band, sensitivity for missile plume detection, five-year radiation tolerance in LEO, compatibility with small satellites, and a 30% reduction in unit production cost. The project will not have a Phase I; instead, offerors must demonstrate a
    1762905705129.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking proposals for the development of affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies. These sensors are intended for space-based missile detection, tracking, and defense within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other next-generation missile warning constellations. The objective is to achieve significant cost reductions through innovative materials, manufacturing processes, and sensor architectures, while maintaining or improving upon state-of-the-art performance in areas like sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance, and compatibility with small satellite platforms. The program emphasizes manufacturability and scalable production. This RFP is a Direct-to-Phase-II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate a
    1762992134584.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), via the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks to advance affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies. These sensors are crucial for space-based missile detection, tracking, and defense within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and next-generation missile warning constellations. The objective is to develop a complete sensor prototype demonstrating sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for LEO operations, and compatibility with small satellite platforms, all while achieving significant cost reductions (at least 30% lower than current sensors). This will be realized through innovative materials, manufacturing processes, or sensor architectures for scalable production. This effort is restricted under ITAR, requiring disclosure of foreign national involvement. Phase I is omitted; proposals must demonstrate prior feasibility. Phase II focuses on prototype fabrication, demonstration, and cost-reduction analysis, aiming for TRL 5. Phase III will transition the matured technology into operational deployment for DoD space systems and commercial dual-use applications like Earth observation and wildfire monitoring, ensuring scalable production and integration into the PWSA Tracking Layer.
    1763078529273.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), via the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking to develop affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies for space-based missile detection and tracking. This initiative is critical for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tracking Layer, which aims to provide global missile warning and tracking capabilities from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Current IR sensor technologies are too expensive and complex for large-scale deployment. The objective is to produce a complete sensor prototype that demonstrates sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended LEO operations, compatibility with small satellite platforms, and significant cost reductions (at least 30% lower than current sensors). This includes MWIR operation in the 3–5 µm band and a minimum five-year radiation tolerance. The project emphasizes innovative materials, manufacturing processes, and sensor architectures to enable scalable production. Phase I is omitted, with applicants needing to demonstrate a
    1763164917548.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking proposals for the development of affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies. These sensors are intended for space-based missile detection and tracking within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tracking Layer, a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. The objective is to achieve significant cost reductions through innovative materials, manufacturing processes, or sensor architectures, while maintaining or improving upon state-of-the-art performance. Key requirements include MWIR operation in the 3–5 µm band, sensitivity for missile plume detection, five-year radiation tolerance in LEO, compatibility with small satellite platforms, and a projected unit production cost at least 30% lower than current comparable space-qualified IR sensors. This initiative focuses on directly moving into Phase II, requiring applicants to demonstrate a
    1763337716415.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks to develop affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies for space-based missile detection and tracking. This initiative is crucial for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tracking Layer, which relies on these sensors to detect advanced missile threats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective is to produce a complete sensor prototype that demonstrates sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended LEO operations, and suitability for small satellite platforms, all while significantly reducing costs through innovative materials, manufacturing, or architectural approaches. Target capabilities include MWIR operation in the 3–5 µm band, sufficient sensitivity for missile plume detection, five-year radiation tolerance in LEO, compatibility with smallsats, and a projected unit production cost at least 30% lower than current space-qualified IR sensors. The project is designed to move directly into Phase II, focusing on prototype development, fabrication, and demonstration to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. Phase III will transition the matured technology into operational deployment across DoD space systems and commercial applications, emphasizing scalable production readiness and integration into the PWSA and other missile tracking constellations.
    1763510526253.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), via the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks to advance affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies for space-based missile detection, tracking, and defense. This initiative aims to develop a complete sensor prototype demonstrating sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operations, and suitability for small satellite platforms, while significantly reducing costs through innovative materials, manufacturing, or architectural approaches. This will enable scalable production and integration into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and next-generation missile warning constellations. The project targets MWIR operation in the 3–5 µm band, sufficient sensitivity for missile plume detection, five-year radiation tolerance in LEO, compatibility with smallsat constraints, and a projected unit production cost at least 30% lower than current comparable space-qualified IR sensors. The effort is a Direct-to-Phase-II initiative, requiring applicants to demonstrate a
    1764968594865.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks to develop affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies for space-based missile detection and tracking. This initiative aims to produce a complete sensor prototype demonstrating sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for LEO operations, and suitability for small satellite platforms, while significantly reducing costs through innovative materials, manufacturing processes, and architectural approaches. The objective is to enable scalable production and integration into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other next-generation missile warning constellations. The technology is restricted under ITAR, requiring disclosure of any foreign nationals involved. This is a Direct-to-Phase-II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility study accomplishment. Phase II focuses on prototype development, fabrication, and demonstration, emphasizing cost reduction, manufacturability, and achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. Phase III will focus on transitioning the matured technology into operational deployment across DoD space systems and commercial applications, with an emphasis on scaled production readiness and system-level integration with the PWSA Tracking Layer.
    1766361764709.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking proposals for the SF254-D1207 project to develop affordable, high-performance midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies. These sensors are crucial for space-based missile detection and tracking within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other next-generation missile warning constellations. The project aims to significantly reduce costs while maintaining or improving performance, focusing on radiation tolerance, compatibility with small satellites, and efficient manufacturing. This effort is restricted under ITAR, requiring disclosure of foreign national involvement. Phase I is omitted, and applicants must demonstrate a
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