Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations
ID: SF254-D1205Type: Phase II
Overview

Topic

Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations

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 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.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1762382891944.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative, part of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), aims to catalyze a commercially sustainable DaaS market rather than developing bespoke government solutions. The objective is to mature key technologies, reduce technical and operational risks, and establish a foundation for future on-orbit demonstration missions. Proposed solutions include validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance, and recommending design enhancements for future PWSA spacecraft. The effort supports a commercially viable, scalable U.S. DaaS ecosystem for both defense and commercial pLEO operators, with a focus on ground testing and prototyping in Phase II to bridge the gap to flight demonstration, and transitioning to a fully operational DaaS offering in Phase III to support government and commercial pLEO constellations.
    1762387306732.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative, part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), aims to address the need for safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms for defunct satellites. The objective is to mature key technologies that enable a commercially sustainable DaaS market, reducing technical and operational risks. Proposed solutions include validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance, and recommending design enhancements for future PWSA spacecraft. This effort supports a U.S.-based DaaS ecosystem, enhancing resilience and sustainability in LEO. The project is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. Phase II focuses on extensive ground testing and prototyping, with deliverables including test reports, risk assessments, and a draft commercialization strategy. Phase III aims to transition the capability into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering for both government and commercial pLEO constellations, focusing on scalability, strategic partnerships, and regulatory compliance.
    1762560127096.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative, part of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), aims to establish a commercially sustainable market for satellite disposal, particularly for those experiencing mission-ending anomalies. The program emphasizes prototyping and validating technologies to reduce technical and operational risks for DaaS, including rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), universal capture mechanisms, and collision avoidance techniques. Proposals should focus on commercializable solutions that can be integrated into a broader orbital debris mitigation ecosystem, ultimately improving long-term resilience, safety, and sustainability in LEO. The project is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. Phase II will involve extensive ground testing and prototyping, with key deliverables including test reports, risk assessments, on-orbit demonstration plans, and commercialization strategies. Phase III will transition the capability into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering for both government and commercial pLEO constellations, focusing on scalability, strategic partnerships, ground operations, business model refinement, and regulatory compliance.
    1762646519565.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions to develop commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative, part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), aims to establish a sustainable market for satellite disposal by maturing key technologies. The objective is to prototype and validate technologies that reduce technical and operational risks for DaaS offerings, focusing on rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), universal capture mechanisms, collision avoidance, and design recommendations for future PWSA spacecraft. The effort supports a commercially viable U.S. DaaS ecosystem for defense and commercial operators. This topic is intended for Direct-to-Phase II, requiring a demonstrated "Phase I-type" effort and a clear plan for integration into Department of the Air Force (DAF) operations. Phase II will involve extensive ground testing and prototyping, with deliverables including test reports, risk assessments, and a draft commercialization strategy. Phase III will focus on transitioning DaaS into a fully operational, commercially viable service, scaling the technology, establishing partnerships, and addressing regulatory requirements to support global space sustainability.
    1762819318986.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative aims to address the need for safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms, especially for satellites experiencing mission-ending anomalies. The objective is to catalyze a commercially sustainable DaaS market by maturing key technologies, reducing technical and operational risks, and establishing a foundation for future on-orbit demonstration missions. Proposed solutions include validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance techniques, and recommending design enhancements for future PWSA spacecraft to improve serviceability. This effort supports the broader goal of enabling a commercially viable, scalable U.S. DaaS ecosystem for both defense and commercial pLEO operators, ultimately enhancing long-term space sustainability. This topic is intended for Direct-to-Phase II proposals, focusing on extensive ground testing and prototyping. Phase III will transition the capability into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering, supporting both government and commercial pLEO constellations.
    1762905704360.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for "Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations." This initiative aims to develop and validate technologies for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities to safely dispose of defunct satellites in proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO). The objective is to mature key technologies, such as rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), universal capture mechanisms, and collision avoidance techniques, to reduce technical and operational risks for DaaS offerings. The project emphasizes commercially viable solutions that integrate into a broader orbital debris mitigation ecosystem. This directly-to-Phase II effort will involve extensive ground testing and prototyping, with a focus on delivering comprehensive test reports, risk assessments, and a draft on-orbit demonstration and commercialization plan. Phase III will focus on transitioning the capability into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering for both government and commercial pLEO constellations, addressing regulatory, licensing, and safety requirements.
    1762992134116.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions to mature technologies for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities. This initiative aims to safely dispose of defunct satellites in proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations, particularly those within the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) that experience mission-ending anomalies. The goal is to catalyze a commercially sustainable DaaS market by investing in subsystems that reduce technical and operational risks. Proposed solutions include validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance techniques, and recommending design enhancements for future PWSA spacecraft to improve serviceability. The project emphasizes developing commercializable capabilities to enhance long-term resilience, safety, and sustainability in LEO. This effort is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. Phase II focuses on extensive ground testing and prototyping of enabling technologies, with deliverables including test reports, risk assessments, and a draft commercialization strategy. Phase III aims to transition the capability into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering for both government and commercial pLEO operators, addressing scaling, strategic partnerships, ground operations, business models, and regulatory compliance.
    1763078529099.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities to manage proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative aims to mature key technologies, reducing technical and operational risks associated with DaaS offerings, rather than developing government-specific solutions. The project emphasizes validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance, and recommending design enhancements for future PWSA spacecraft to improve serviceability. The goal is to establish a commercially viable U.S.-based DaaS ecosystem, enhancing long-term resilience, safety, and sustainability in LEO, supporting both defense and commercial operators. Phase II will involve extensive ground testing and prototyping, while Phase III focuses on transitioning the technology into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering with dual-use applications for government and commercial pLEO constellations.
    1763164918427.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative aims to address the need for safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites experiencing mission-ending anomalies. Rather than developing bespoke government solutions, SDA seeks to catalyze a commercially sustainable market for DaaS by investing in maturing subsystems necessary for future on-orbit servicing. Key technology areas include validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance techniques, and providing design recommendations for future PWSA spacecraft to improve serviceability. This effort is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. The project will move directly into Phase II, focusing on extensive ground testing and prototyping to reduce technical and operational risks. Phase III will transition the de-orbit capability into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering, supporting both government and commercial pLEO constellations.
    1763337715860.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative aims to mature key technologies to enable safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites experiencing mission-ending anomalies. The goal is to catalyze a commercially sustainable market for DaaS, reducing reliance on bespoke government solutions. Proposals should focus on prototyping and validating technologies that reduce technical and operational risks for DaaS, establishing a foundation for future on-orbit demonstration missions. This includes validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance, and recommending design enhancements for future spacecraft to improve serviceability. The effort is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations. Phase I is omitted, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior
    1763510525561.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative solutions for commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities to support proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. This initiative, part of federal government RFPs, aims to mature key technologies to enable safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites experiencing mission-ending anomalies. The objective is to catalyze a commercially sustainable market for DaaS by investing in subsystems for future on-orbit servicing, rather than developing bespoke government solutions. Key areas for technology maturation include validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms compatible with various PWSA bus types, evaluating collision avoidance techniques, and providing design recommendations for future PWSA spacecraft to improve serviceability. The project is structured in phases: a direct-to-Phase II approach focusing on ground testing and prototyping to reduce technical and operational risks, and a Phase III for transitioning into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering with dual-use applications for both government and commercial pLEO operators. This effort is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations and aims to reduce the timeline for fielding U.S.-based DaaS capabilities, improving long-term resilience, safety, and sustainability in LEO.
    1763769715789.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), via the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks proposals for Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The objective is to mature key technologies to enable safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms for defunct pLEO satellites, especially those within the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This initiative aims to catalyze a commercially sustainable DaaS market rather than developing bespoke government solutions. Proposals should focus on prototyping and validating technologies that reduce technical and operational risks for DaaS, including rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), universal capture mechanisms, collision avoidance, and design recommendations for future PWSA spacecraft. This effort is restricted under ITAR/EAR. Phase I is waived, requiring a Direct-to-Phase-II proposal demonstrating a “Phase I-type” effort. Phase II will focus on extensive ground testing and prototyping of these enabling technologies. Phase III aims to transition the capability into a fully operational, commercially viable DaaS offering for both government and commercial pLEO operators, emphasizing scalability, strategic partnerships, and regulatory compliance to ensure long-term space sustainability.
    1764968595148.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), seeks innovative commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) solutions for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. The objective is to mature key technologies that enable safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms, especially for satellites experiencing mission-ending anomalies. This initiative aims to catalyze a commercially sustainable DaaS market by investing in subsystems for on-orbit servicing, reducing technical and operational risks, and establishing a foundation for future demonstration missions. Proposed solutions include validating rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, demonstrating universal capture mechanisms, evaluating collision avoidance, and recommending design enhancements for future spacecraft. The effort focuses on commercializable capabilities to reduce the timeline for U.S.-based DaaS and improve space resilience and sustainability. The project is restricted under ITAR/EAR. Phase I is omitted, and applicants must demonstrate a
    1765670558534.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions to mature key technologies that enable commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. As the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) continues to expand, there is a need for safe, scalable, and responsive satellite disposal mechanisms—particularly for satellites that experience mission-ending anomalies and cannot autonomously de-orbit. This initiative aims to catalyze a commercially sustainable market for DaaS by investing in maturing subsystems necessary for future on-orbit servicing. The proposal focuses on developing capabilities that can be commercialized and integrated into a broader orbital debris mitigation and satellite servicing ecosystem. The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulation (EAR). Phase II will focus on maturing enabling technologies that support commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) operations for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Phase III will focus on transitioning the de-orbit demonstration capability into a fully operational, commercially viable De-Orbit-as-a-Service (DaaS) offering. This effort aims to support both government and commercial proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations with scalable, on-demand end-of-life satellite disposal solutions.
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