The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, specifically targeting advancements in future space architectures and in-space development platforms. The objective is to explore commercial technologies that can be adapted for dual-use applications in dynamic space operations, particularly in the areas of in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM), as well as servicing, mobility, and logistics (SML). This initiative is crucial for enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of space operations, aligning with the Department of the Air Force's operational imperatives. Proposals for Phase I are due by October 23, 2024, and should demonstrate scientific merit and feasibility, while Phase II will focus on developing operational tactics and protocols for persistent on-orbit platforms. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website.

## Description

The Space Force is a large and complex organization consisting of many functions with similar counterparts in the commercial sector. The Space Force wishes to explore innovative technology domains with demonstrated commercial value in the non-Defense sector, i.e., through existing products/solutions, in order to obtain Space Force applications, i.e. Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions. It is important that potential solutions have a high probability of keeping pace with technological change. Thus, solutions should be closely tied to commercial technologies and solutions supporting the solution&rsquo;s development. Proposals for this topic should demonstrate a high probability of identifying a product-market fit between a Space Force end user and the proposed solution through a non-Defense commercial solution&rsquo;s adaptation. This is initiated through the proposal of R/R&amp;D being applied to a mature non-Defense technical solution and a starting point to find a Space Force Customer. This topic seeks to explore potential commercial products enabling dynamic space operations in the emerging ISAM market for potential use in on-orbit servicing, sustained space maneuvering, and related space logistics support.

## Objective

The US Space Force (USSF) looks to accelerate emerging technologies and mature concepts of operations (CONOPs) as it pertains to in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) and servicing, mobility, and logistics (SML). By advancing these core capabilities, this topic will meet the Department of Air Force&rsquo;s (DAF) Operational Imperative 1 &ldquo;Defining Resilient and Effective Space Order of Battle and Architectures,&rdquo; and 7 &ldquo;Readiness of the Department of the Air Force to transition to a wartime posture against a peer competitor.&rdquo; As the space operational environment evolves, there is a need for dynamic mission optimization that integrates in-space servicing infrastructure to enhance space operation techniques and tactics that allow for a more sustainable and resilient environment. This topic will examine new technologies and associated mission designs that advance the ability to perform non-traditional dynamic space operations. In addition to mission design and CONOPs development, the topic will further mature future space architectures through the development of persistent, on-orbit assets that enable sustained space operations. There are several aspects to this construct which include the system requirement definition, flexible mission model design and analysis, detailed cost expenditure plans, integration and testing (I&amp;T) breakdown, launch plan and optimized orbit insertion. The primary intent is to gain significant development in the core technologies and capabilities enabling a persistent space asset that supports rapid advancement of dynamic operations in space. Leveraging these emerging ISAM and SML technologies will infuse innovation into the traditional space operations framework by reducing reliance on static mission operations and bespoke space systems.

## Phase I

This feasibility demonstration should encompass the evaluation of scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas with commercial potential. Additionally, it must validate the product-market between the proposed solution and the USSF customer. The feasibility study should identify the prime potential USSF end users for the Defense-modified commercial offering, describe integration feasibility and costs with current mission-specific products, and explore the potential use by other DoD or Governmental customers. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Prior work to demonstrate feasibility must meet the minimum technical and scientific merit specified in this description.Work submitted with the feasibility demonstration must have been substantially performed by the Offeror and/or the Principal Investigator.

## Phase II

The project scope will investigate on-orbit persistent architectures and associated concept of operations (CONOPs) for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) mission development to establish operational tactics and protocols that enable dynamic space operations. To accomplish this, the topic will focus on the following core technology areas:1) Mission design and CONOPs development: The focus will be to define the architecture necessary to enable the ISAM market for sustained operations in space and increase the resiliency of on-orbit assets. The project will evolve space architectures for multi-mission capabilities and leverage state-of-the-art techniques to unlock the next generation of space operations. 2) Development of a serviceable, on-orbit platform: The project will focus on the development of emerging technologies necessary to establish an in-space asset that will be used to test, develop, and refine ISAM tactics and techniques. The unmanned, multi-mission spacecraft will provide both a prototype testbed facility to validate emerging technologies and a demonstration platform for training and verification of in-space operations. Targeted orbits for operation can be in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). The envisioned platform will be capable of operations to include but not limited to rendezvous proximity operations &amp;amp; docking (RPOD), safe fluid transfer for refueling, space robotic manipulators, trusted autonomous fault protection, spacecraft trusted autonomy, advanced state of health monitoring, reconfigurable subsystems and payloads, and safe stable power supply, thermal control, and data transfer via standard docking interface to payloads. In addition, the platform will be capable of integration with a cryptographic unit capable of government-approved encryption for secure uplink, downlink, or crosslink. The topic will mature at least one or more of these foundational capabilities to enable the development of an on-orbit platform as well as an overall concept design. Successful Phase-II proposals and awards will provide evidence of market fit in a detailed business plan, including total available market (TAM) and served available market (SAM); revenue model and plan; and scaling plan, including supply chain and manufacturing. Project scope should also include an end-to-end capability ready for demonstration in a relevant operational environment, including initial development of design reference missions. The successful Phase-II capability shall achieve TRL-4 or higher, as documented in a final report with laboratory and/or field demonstrations.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Some solutions may go from Phase II to Phase III as soon as the product-market fit is verified. Potential Phase III awardees will transition the adapted non-Defense commercial solution to provide expanded mission capability for a broad range of potential Governmental and civilian users and alternate mission applications.

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