Low-Cost, Low SWaP Sensors for Space-Based Space Domain Awareness

Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential vendors with mature technologies or products suitable for a Direct to Phase II (D2P2) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project focused on low-cost, low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) sensors for space-based Space Domain Awareness (SDA). This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future.

Respondents who qualify for SBIR projects will be notified when the public SBIR solicitation will come out for response. The United States Space Force (USSF) requires improved space domain awareness capabilities to maintain space superiority in an increasingly congested, contested, and competitive environment. Current space-based sensing solutions often suffer from high cost and/or significant SWaP requirements, limiting their deployment on smaller satellite platforms.

The objective of the envisioned D2P2 SBIR project is to develop a low-cost, low-SWaP sensor capable of surviving launch and the GEO space environment, integrating onto various platforms, and complying with common mechanical, thermal, and electrical interfaces. Additional requirements are provided in the CUI attachment. Responses should be concise and limited to a maximum of four (4) pages, including any attachments.

Questions will be received until 30 May 2025. Submit responses electronically to jennifer.wilterdink.1@spaceforce.mil and responses should be classified no higher than CUI with the subject line "RFI Response: Low-Cost, Low SWaP SDA Sensors” on an unclassified network. This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government is not obligated to issue a solicitation or award a contract as a result of this RFI.

All information received in response to this RFI will be treated as information only and will not be considered as proposals. Responders will not be entitled to payment for information furnished in response to this RFI.