OSW26BZ01-DV002 TITLE: Scalable Tracking of pLEO Constellations and Debris
Award Maximum: $2,000,000 | Period of Performance: Not to exceed 12 months | Phase Type: Direct to Phase II
OBJECTIVE: Develop and deploy scalable, cost-effective, and rapidly iterated wide-field optical tracking solutions to supplement the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) for high-density proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations and debris. The solution must meet stringent tracking, latency, and dissemination requirements while leveraging Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and software-defined sensors.
DESCRIPTION: The increasing density of pLEO constellations and orbital debris presents a significant challenge to the current SSN infrastructure, including radar fences with limited beam count and power. This effort seeks to develop wide-field optical tracking systems capable of addressing these challenges. The solution must integrate COTS components on a COTS bus to ensure low-cost deployment, rapid iteration, and replenishment. Software-defined sensors adaptable to multiple missions and on-board processing capabilities are encouraged. The system should also support extensibility to other missions via side-car payloads or on-orbit firmware/software upgrades. The system, if deployed at a scale identified by the proposer, must meet the following requirements: Threshold Requirements: Track 95% of objects larger than 1U (10x10 cm² optical cross-section, Lambertian surface at 20% reflectivity) at least once per orbit. Track 95% of unknown objects as small as 1 cm across once every two weeks. Goal Requirements: Track 99% of unknown objects larger than 1U at least twice per orbit. Track 95% of all objects as small as 1 cm once every two weeks. Track a cued object down to 1 cm with a maximum latency of 40 minutes, with no requirements for simultaneous tracks. Dissemination: All detections must be injected into the Unified Data Library (UDL) database within 5 minutes of passing through the last Field of Regard of the sensor platform.
PHASE I: This topic is accepting Direct to Phase II proposals only. Strong proposals should document prior experience: Modeling and simulation of wide-field optical systems to validate tracking performance; Prototyping and testing of COTS-based optical sensors and software-defined systems; Integration and testing of on-board processing capabilities for real-time data handling and dissemination; Validation of UDL database injection within the required 5-minute latency. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results.
PHASE II: Phase II will focus on: 1. Developing and demonstrating a fully integrated prototype system in a relevant orbital environment. 2. Conducting end-to-end testing to validate tracking performance, latency, and dissemination requirements. 3. Iterating on the design to incorporate lessons learned and optimize for cost, scalability, and extensibility. 4. Preparing for low-rate initial production (LRIP) and deployment.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The solution has significant commercial potential in the growing space industry, including: 1. Supporting commercial satellite operators in collision avoidance and space traffic management. 2. Providing data services to insurance companies for risk assessment and mitigation. 3. Enabling scalable tracking solutions for emerging mega-constellations. 4. Extending capabilities to other missions, such as Earth observation, space domain awareness, and scientific research.