SBIR/STTR
Opportunity
Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS)
Department:
U.S. Air Force
Open Date:
2025-09-24
Close Date:
2025-10-17
Technology Area:
Space
The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions to inform the future of autonomous, resilient, and intelligent space operations through the Futures Series: Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) Challenge—a strategic initiative led by Task Force Futures in partnership with SpaceWERX. This topic invites proposals that investigate the technical and operational feasibility of emerging space concepts and dual-use technologies capable of supporting coordinated satellite operations across Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), eXtended GEO (XGEO), and the cislunar environment.
In Phase I, offerors should focus on early-stage research activities—including literature reviews, modeling and simulation, trade space analyses, and university or non-profit research collaborations—to lay the groundwork for prototype or proof of concept demonstrations to be developed in a potential future Phase II. This exploration
phase is intended to reduce risk, validate feasibility, and refine mission alignment before committing to integrated technology demonstrations. Objectives include:
1. Explore novel concepts and architectures that support enhanced autonomy, survivability, and responsiveness in degraded or adversarial space environments.
2. Assess the feasibility of onboard edge intelligence, predictive threat analytics, and autonomous decision-making systems suitable for bandwidth-limited or
contested conditions.
3. Analyze modular, scalable systems—including sensor payloads, computing elements, and spacecraft buses—that can adapt to evolving missions and orbital d
domains.
4. Develop preliminary Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) aligned with future USSF mission needs and evaluate potential integration paths with Space Force
operational constructs.
Proposals should clearly define their Phase I scope, research methods, and collaboration plan with a research institution. While transition and commercialization planning are not the primary focus of Phase I, proposers should briefly articulate how the work could inform a Phase II prototype and support longer-term mission relevance.
In Phase I, offerors should focus on early-stage research activities—including literature reviews, modeling and simulation, trade space analyses, and university or non-profit research collaborations—to lay the groundwork for prototype or proof of concept demonstrations to be developed in a potential future Phase II. This exploration
phase is intended to reduce risk, validate feasibility, and refine mission alignment before committing to integrated technology demonstrations. Objectives include:
1. Explore novel concepts and architectures that support enhanced autonomy, survivability, and responsiveness in degraded or adversarial space environments.
2. Assess the feasibility of onboard edge intelligence, predictive threat analytics, and autonomous decision-making systems suitable for bandwidth-limited or
contested conditions.
3. Analyze modular, scalable systems—including sensor payloads, computing elements, and spacecraft buses—that can adapt to evolving missions and orbital d
domains.
4. Develop preliminary Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) aligned with future USSF mission needs and evaluate potential integration paths with Space Force
operational constructs.
Proposals should clearly define their Phase I scope, research methods, and collaboration plan with a research institution. While transition and commercialization planning are not the primary focus of Phase I, proposers should briefly articulate how the work could inform a Phase II prototype and support longer-term mission relevance.