Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats
ID: SF254-D1203Type: Phase II
Overview

Topic

Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats

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) 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.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1762382892292.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, SF254-D1203, aims to develop compact, high-performance interceptors for deployment on space platforms, addressing challenges like extreme thermal environments, unpredictable trajectories, and high-G maneuverability. Key objectives include developing novel propulsion, resilient seeker/guidance systems, and low-SWaP SBI architectures. The project emphasizes agility, manufacturability, and readiness for live-fire, on-orbit demonstrations. This is a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility. Phase II will focus on developing and maturing technologies for a complete end-to-end SBI architecture, with a clear path to TRL 6. Phase III will advance promising technologies to TRL 7 or higher, focusing on system integration, scalability, dual-use potential, and transition to operational fielding.
    1762387305875.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, part of a layered missile defense architecture, focuses on developing compact, high-performance interceptors for space deployment. Key objectives include advanced propulsion, resilient seeker/guidance systems, and low-SWaP SBI architectures capable of real-time threat engagement in extreme environments. Proposals should detail system concepts, development timelines, and a path to prototype delivery, emphasizing agility and manufacturability for future on-orbit demonstrations. This project, restricted under ITAR, prioritizes mature technologies for direct transition to Phase II, focusing on developing and demonstrating end-to-end SBI architectures. Phase III will advance these technologies to full system demonstration and operational relevance, aiming for TRL 7 or higher and dual-use applications.
    1762560122976.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, part of a layered missile defense architecture, focuses on developing compact, high-performance interceptors capable of operating in extreme thermal environments with unpredictable trajectories. Key objectives include advanced propulsion, resilient seeker/guidance systems for plasma-rich environments, and low-SWaP SBI architectures suitable for satellite constellations. Proposals should detail system concepts, development timelines, and a path to prototype delivery, emphasizing agility and manufacturability for future on-orbit demonstrations. This project, restricted under ITAR, involves close collaboration with Space Systems Command (SSC) and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), prioritizing modular and scalable solutions for proliferated space-based platforms. Phase I is waived, with direct entry into Phase II requiring proven technology and a feasibility study. Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating enabling SBI technologies, including detailed architecture, performance parameters, and thermal protection strategies. Phase III will advance promising technologies to TRL 7+, focusing on system adaptation, dual-use potential, and pathways to operational fielding, with potential for live-fire, on-orbit demonstrations.
    1762646519898.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to counter hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide flight phases. This initiative, SF254-D1203, aims to build a layered missile defense architecture with advanced sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities. Proposals should focus on compact, high-performance SBI solutions addressing challenges like extreme thermal environments, unpredictable trajectories, and high-G maneuverability. Key objectives include developing novel propulsion, resilient seeker and guidance systems, and end-to-end SBI architectures suitable for distributed satellite constellations. The project prioritizes rapid development, maturation, and demonstration of these technologies, with an emphasis on modularity, manufacturability, and scalability for proliferated space-based platforms. Offerors must provide a clear development timeline, system architecture, and a path to prototype delivery, with the goal of enabling future on-orbit demonstrations and contributing to a responsive, layered missile defense. The effort is restricted under ITAR/EAR regulations.
    1762819318485.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, part of a layered missile defense architecture, requires compact, high-performance interceptors capable of operating in extreme thermal environments with unpredictable trajectories. Key objectives include developing novel propulsion, resilient seeker and guidance systems, and advanced SBI architectures with low size, weight, and power (SWaP) for satellite constellations. The project prioritizes agility, manufacturability, and readiness for on-orbit demonstrations. Proposals should detail end-to-end SBI concepts, performance parameters, and a credible development timeline. Phase I is omitted, with applicants expected to demonstrate feasibility for direct entry into Phase II. Phase II focuses on maturing these technologies towards TRL 6, while Phase III aims for full system demonstration, TRL 7+, and operational fielding with dual-use potential.
    1762905704002.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is soliciting proposals for the rapid development of Space-Based Interceptors (SBIs) to counter hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phase. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a layered missile defense architecture with advanced sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities. The goal is to develop compact, high-performance interceptors for space-based platforms, addressing challenges like extreme thermal environments, unpredictable trajectories, and limited engagement windows. Key objectives include novel propulsion, resilient seeker/guidance systems, and low-SWaP SBI architectures. Proposals should present a credible development timeline and a path to prototype delivery, with an emphasis on agility and manufacturability for future on-orbit demonstrations. This project, restricted under ITAR, seeks to advance technologies for tracking and defeating HGVs, prioritizing modular, manufacturable, and scalable solutions for proliferated space-based platforms. Phase I is skipped, with applicants needing to demonstrate prior feasibility. Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating enabling SBI technologies, requiring detailed concepts, performance parameters, and thermal protection strategies, aiming for TRL 6. Phase III will advance promising technologies to TRL 7+, focusing on system integration, scalability, dual-use potential, and pathways to operational fielding through various funding mechanisms.
    1762992134484.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking proposals for developing space-based interceptors (SBIs) to counter hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phase. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a layered missile defense architecture. Proposals should focus on compact, high-performance SBI solutions addressing challenges like extreme thermal environments, unpredictable trajectories, and high-G maneuverability. Key objectives include developing novel propulsion, resilient seeker and guidance systems, and end-to-end SBI architectures suitable for distributed deployment. Offerors must present a high-level system concept, development timeline, and a path to prototype delivery. The project will prioritize subsystem innovation across propulsion, guidance, thermal protection, and sensor fusion. This is a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility. Phase II will focus on maturing and demonstrating enabling technologies for a complete end-to-end SBI architecture, with an emphasis on performance parameters, component mass breakdowns, sensor identification, terminal guidance solutions, and thermal protection strategies. Phase III will advance promising technologies toward full system demonstration and operational relevance, aiming for TRL 7 or higher and integration into national missile defense architectures, with a focus on dual-use potential and pathways to operational fielding. All technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR.
    1763078529340.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, SF254-D1203, aims to develop compact, high-performance interceptors for deployment on space platforms, addressing challenges like extreme thermal environments, unpredictable trajectories, and high-G maneuverability. Key objectives include advancing propulsion, guidance, and thermal protection systems in low-SWaP configurations, demonstrating feasibility through rigorous testing. The project emphasizes agility, manufacturability, and readiness for live-fire, on-orbit demonstrations. This effort is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility. Phase II focuses on maturing and demonstrating enabling technologies, proposing end-to-end SBI architectures, and detailing performance parameters. Phase III will advance promising technologies to TRL 7 or higher, focusing on system integration, scalability, dual-use potential, and pathways to operational fielding, including potential live-fire demonstrations against HGV surrogate targets.
    1763164918511.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, part of a layered missile defense architecture, focuses on developing compact, high-performance interceptors for space deployment. Key objectives include novel propulsion, resilient seeker and guidance systems, and end-to-end SBI architectures in low-SWaP configurations. Proposals should detail system concepts, development timelines, and a path to prototype delivery, emphasizing agility and manufacturability for on-orbit demonstrations. This project is restricted under ITAR/EAR, requiring disclosure of foreign nationals. Phase I is bypassed, moving directly to Phase II, which aims to mature and demonstrate enabling SBI technologies. Phase III will advance promising technologies to full system demonstration, focusing on TRL 7+, scalability, dual-use potential, and pathways to operational fielding, with potential for live-fire demonstrations.
    1763337715115.pdf
    This U.S. Space Force initiative seeks innovative solutions for space-based endo-atmospheric interceptors to enhance missile defense. The project, a Direct-to-Phase-II effort, requires applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility studies and a clear plan for integrating with U.S. Department of Air Force (DAF) operations. Key technology areas for development include high-performance propulsion, advanced seekers and sensor suites, and integrated space vehicle architectures. Solutions must achieve significant performance in compact designs, address survivability in extreme atmospheric conditions, and minimize interceptor mass for rapid deployment. Phase III focuses on operationalization, demonstration, dual-use scalability, and transitioning technologies for broader DoD and commercial applications, aiming for flight-capable prototypes and deployment within relevant operational environments.
    1763510525792.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) during their midcourse or glide phase. This initiative, SF254-D1203, is part of a broader strategy to build a layered missile defense architecture. The objective is to develop compact, high-performance SBI solutions addressing challenges like extreme thermal environments, unpredictable trajectories, and high-G maneuverability. Key development areas include propulsion, guidance, thermal protection, and sensor fusion in low-SWaP configurations. The project will prioritize solutions that are modular, manufacturable, and scalable for deployment on proliferated space-based platforms. This topic moves directly to Phase II, requiring applicants to demonstrate a
    1763769715839.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, part of a layered missile defense architecture, focuses on developing compact, high-performance interceptors for space deployment. Key objectives include advanced propulsion, resilient seeker and guidance systems for plasma-rich environments, and low-SWaP SBI architectures for satellite constellations. The project prioritizes rapid development and maturation of technologies to counter HGVs' high speeds and unpredictable trajectories. Phase II will focus on developing and demonstrating enabling technologies for an end-to-end SBI architecture, while Phase III aims for full system demonstration, integration into national defense, and dual-use applications.
    1764968594845.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide phases. This initiative, part of a layered missile defense architecture, aims for compact, high-performance interceptors capable of operating in extreme thermal environments, countering unpredictable trajectories, and managing high-G maneuverability. Key objectives include developing novel propulsion, resilient seeker and guidance systems, and end-to-end SBI architectures in low-SWaP configurations. The project prioritizes agility, manufacturability, and readiness for on-orbit demonstrations. This is a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility. Phase II focuses on maturing and demonstrating enabling technologies for a complete SBI architecture, emphasizing performance parameters, sensor types, thermal protection, and a credible development timeline. Phase III will advance promising technologies to TRL 7 or higher, focusing on system adaptation, dual-use potential, and pathways to operational fielding, with potential for live-fire demonstrations against HGV surrogate targets. The technology is restricted under ITAR/EAR.
    1766361764620.pdf
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during midcourse or glide flight. This strategic initiative, part of a layered missile defense architecture, focuses on developing compact, high-performance interceptors for space deployment. Key objectives include advanced propulsion, resilient seeker and guidance systems, and low-SWaP architectures suitable for satellite constellations. Proposals should detail system concepts, development timelines, and paths to prototype delivery, emphasizing agility and manufacturability for future on-orbit demonstrations. This effort, restricted under ITAR, prioritizes subsystem innovation across propulsion, guidance, thermal protection, and sensor fusion. Phase I is omitted; proposals must demonstrate Phase I-type feasibility for direct entry into Phase II. Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating enabling SBI technologies, including detailed architecture, performance parameters, and thermal protection strategies. Phase III will advance promising technologies towards full system demonstration, operational relevance, and dual-use applications, with a clear path to TRL 7 or higher and integration into national missile defense architectures.
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