The United States Space Force is actively seeking innovative technologies from the private sector to strengthen its space and cyber defense capabilities. Officials from the Space Systems Command in El Segundo, California, have initiated a program with a potential value of up to $99 million over five years to address emerging threats in the space domain.
The effort, detailed in a broad agency announcement, aims to develop and test new solutions for battle management, space situational awareness, and system resilience. The goal is to better protect U.S. and allied assets from potential adversary actions in space and through cyberspace.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force has launched a program worth up to $99 million to solicit new defense technologies from industry.
- The initiative focuses on five critical areas: system resiliency, space domain awareness, counter-space capabilities, command and control, and training environments.
- Companies are invited to submit concept papers by February 23, 2029, for technologies at a readiness level of 3 or higher.
- The program seeks to integrate space and cyber solutions to counter growing threats to national security assets.
Addressing Emerging Threats in Space
The Space Force's initiative, identified by the announcement number FA8819-24-R-B003, signals a strategic move to stay ahead of potential adversaries. The program is designed to explore new concepts, test assumptions, and rapidly field solutions that can address vulnerabilities in the increasingly contested space environment.
According to the announcement, the primary intent is to gain a deeper understanding of the requirements for integrated space and cyber operations. This involves finding new ways to monitor activities in orbit and protect critical infrastructure from attack.
The Need for Integrated Solutions
Modern military operations are heavily reliant on space-based assets for communication, navigation, and intelligence. Acknowledging this dependence, the Space Force is emphasizing the need for solutions that bridge the gap between space operations and cybersecurity. The program will fund pathfinder projects to validate new approaches that combine these two domains.
What is a Broad Agency Announcement?
A Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a procurement method used by U.S. government agencies to solicit proposals for basic and applied research. Unlike traditional contracts for specific products, a BAA allows for a wider range of creative and innovative solutions from industry and academia to solve complex problems.
Five Core Areas of Focus
The Space Force has outlined five specific areas of interest for this technology development program. These pillars are designed to create a comprehensive defense architecture that is robust, aware, and capable of responding to threats effectively.
1. Enhancing System Resiliency
A primary goal is to increase the survivability of space systems. The program seeks technologies related to:
- Proliferation strategies: Deploying larger numbers of smaller, more distributed satellites.
- Commercial standards: Adopting industry best practices for multi-domain reuse of technology.
- Data sharing: Improving the flow of information between different systems and platforms.
- Redundancy and reconstitution: Ensuring backup systems are in place and can be rapidly deployed if primary assets are lost.
2. Improving Space Domain Awareness
This area focuses on enhancing the military's ability to monitor the space environment. Key interests include low-cost ground-based surveillance systems, compact weather sensors for both ground and space, and advanced optics. The objective is to achieve a more complete picture of all objects in orbit, their status, and any potential threats.
The Space Force requires proposed technologies to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 or higher. TRL 3 signifies that an experimental proof-of-concept has been demonstrated, moving beyond theoretical designs.
3. Developing Counter-space Capabilities
The announcement calls for innovative methods for both defensive and offensive counter-space operations. This includes studying capability gaps, developing new cyber tools, and exploring satellite servicing technologies. The aim is to protect friendly space assets from attack while being able to deter hostile actions.
4. Streamlining Battle Management
To promote efficiency in command, control, and communications (often abbreviated as BMC3), the Space Force is looking for advanced tools. This includes data analytics platforms capable of processing massive datasets from space and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into space operations to speed up decision-making.
5. Advancing Training and Testing
The final area of interest involves creating more realistic and effective training environments. The program is seeking solutions for ride-share opportunities that allow for testing across multiple domains and the development of inter-satellite links for small satellite constellations.
Program Details and Submission Process
The Space Systems Command has established a clear process for companies interested in participating in the program. The initiative is structured to encourage a wide range of ideas from both established defense contractors and non-traditional commercial firms.
How to Participate
Interested parties are required to submit a 10-page concept paper, also known as a white paper, outlining their proposed solution. These papers should detail the technology, its current readiness level, and its potential application to one of the five focus areas.
Submissions must be sent electronically via the Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRnet). The deadline for these initial concept papers is February 23, 2029.
"The intent is to gain a better understanding of requirements for improved space situational awareness and cyber security, while addressing the need for integrated space and cyber solutions." - U.S. Space Systems Command Announcement
From Concept to Proposal
After reviewing the initial submissions, the Space Force may invite companies with the most promising concepts to submit a full proposal. This two-step process allows the government to efficiently screen a large number of ideas before requesting more detailed and resource-intensive formal proposals.
The total contract value for the entire program is estimated to be as much as $99 million, which will be distributed among selected projects over a five-year period. This funding structure allows for flexibility in supporting multiple development efforts simultaneously.
For more information, companies can refer to the official posting on the System for Award Management website, sam.gov, under announcement number FA8819-24-R-B003. Questions regarding the submission process should be directed to the designated contracting officers listed in the official announcement.