Visual Position and Navigation Capability Using Computer Vision for SUAS in GPS-Denied Environments
ID: AF254-D0815Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Visual Position and Navigation Capability Using Computer Vision for SUAS in GPS-Denied Environments

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop a visual position and navigation capability using computer vision for small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) operating in GPS-denied environments. The primary objective is to create a software-only solution that utilizes existing onboard cameras and computational resources of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) drones to ensure accurate navigation and positioning without reliance on GPS, achieving geolocation precision within five meters. This technology is crucial for enhancing operational capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, and logistics missions, particularly in contested or remote areas. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link, and the opportunity is currently open for submissions.

    Files
    No associated files provided.
    Similar Opportunities
    Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment tailored for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The objective is to develop an adaptable software platform capable of ingesting, integrating, and analyzing high-volume, low-latency data from diverse space-based sources, thereby enhancing real-time situational awareness and advanced analytics while adhering to zero-trust security principles. This initiative is critical for supporting the Department of Defense’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and aims to facilitate dynamic mission adaptability across both government and commercial applications. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on January 7, 2026, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and further details can be found at the provided source link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Affordable IR Sensors for Proliferated LEO Missile Tracking Constellation -
    DOD
    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.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of space-based interceptors (SBIs) aimed at defeating hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phases of flight. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a layered missile defense architecture that integrates advanced propulsion, resilient guidance systems, and compact, low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) architectures suitable for deployment on satellite constellations. The opportunity emphasizes the need for proposals that demonstrate feasibility and technical readiness for rapid development, with a focus on subsystem innovation across various technologies. Interested parties should prepare to submit proposals by January 28, 2026, as the program is currently in the pre-release phase, with further details available on the official solicitation website.
    OPEN TOPIC - Tactical CB Visualization -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program to enhance situational awareness and decision support for Warfighters operating in Chemical and Biological (CB) contested environments. The objective is to develop a tactical visualization tool or capability that integrates with Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) kits and various respirators, focusing on Human-Machine Interface (HMI) concepts to improve size, weight, and power (SWAP) demands. This opportunity is critical for ensuring effective communication and data visualization in dynamic battlefield scenarios, with potential dual-use applications in civilian sectors such as emergency response and manufacturing. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on January 7, 2026, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and can find more information at the DOD SBIR website.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Boost-Phase Missile Defense in the Endo-Atmospheric Region -
    DOD
    The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is soliciting innovative solutions for the development of space-based interceptors (SBIs) capable of conducting boost-phase missile defense within the endo-atmospheric region, specifically below 120 km altitude. The primary objective is to create compact, high-performance platforms that incorporate high-G propulsion systems, advanced sensor suites for reliable target discrimination, and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) interceptors, all designed for rapid and precise engagements. This initiative is critical for establishing a layered missile defense architecture, emphasizing scalable designs and miniaturization suitable for deployment in distributed space-based platforms. Interested parties should note that this opportunity is a Direct-to-Phase II effort, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and further details can be found at the provided source link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions to advance commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. The initiative aims to develop safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites that cannot autonomously de-orbit due to mission-ending anomalies. This effort is crucial for mitigating orbital debris risks and fostering a commercially sustainable market for DaaS, with a focus on maturing subsystems necessary for future on-orbit servicing. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on January 7, 2026, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an "Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform" (SF254-D1201) aimed at enhancing decision-making capabilities for Task Force Futures (TF-F) and other USSF stakeholders. The platform is required to provide a secure, modular, and user-centric interface that consolidates insights on science and technology (S&T) capabilities, capital flow patterns, and innovation trends relevant to future space operations, thereby improving the alignment of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) priorities with commercial innovation activities. This initiative is critical for maintaining U.S. technological advantage in an increasingly competitive space domain, facilitating proactive planning, and strengthening public-private partnerships. Interested parties should note that the application due date is January 28, 2026, with the opportunity being part of a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) effort under the SBIR program, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of integrated deployable microsensors for chemical detection under the SBIR program, specifically identified as CBD254-007. The objective is to design and fabricate low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) microsensors capable of detecting chemical warfare agents and pharmaceutical-based agents in vapor and aerosol forms, providing near real-time early warning in complex operational environments. This technology is crucial for enhancing rapid response and decision-making in both military and civilian applications, particularly for first responders in environmental detection and health monitoring. Proposals are due by January 28, 2026, with the opportunity opening on January 7, 2026, and further details can be found at the official solicitation agency website: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a knowledge-guided test and evaluation framework to support the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a dynamic constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective is to develop an adaptive test-planning capability that continuously updates system performance using real-time data, quantifies knowledge gain relative to resource costs, and dynamically re-plans test sequences to prioritize high-utility activities, leveraging probabilistic reasoning and integrating both synthetic and live test data. This opportunity is critical for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of test and evaluation activities in alignment with SDA's rapid acquisition model, with proposals due by January 28, 2026. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official solicitation link provided by the Department of Defense.
    Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions through the Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) Challenge to enhance autonomous, resilient, and intelligent space operations. This initiative focuses on early-stage research in Phase I to explore the technical and operational feasibility of emerging space concepts and dual-use technologies for coordinated satellite operations across various orbital environments, specifically targeting areas such as Edge Computing & Algorithms, Sensor Payloads, and Bus Design. The importance of this procurement lies in its potential to improve space control, battle management, and space domain awareness capabilities under contested conditions, thereby contributing to national security and technological innovation. Proposals are due by January 28, 2026, with the Phase I Showcase serving as the basis for Phase II selection, and interested parties can find more information at the official solicitation website.