DARPA is exploring ideas to help frame future VLEO program investments. With a focus on overcoming energy demand in a high-drag environment, concepts and technologies suitable and complementary to the residual atmosphere are of interest. One potential goal of a future program is the demonstration of energy harvesting technology unique to the VLEO environment. The threshold demonstration is power generation and/or storage capable of providing sustained power.
This RFI seeks ideas, methodologies, and approaches solely for information and planning purposes. Responses to this RFI may potentially support the development of new DARPA efforts focused on novel (VLEO) energy harvesting.
Specific technical challenges DARPA is interested in exploring include:
- energy harvesting approaches
- energy harvesting technology integration
- energy and thermal management
- modeling and simulation
- technology maturation and application
Responses to this RFI are due 18 July 2023.
Supporting document
Request for Information – VLEO Energy Harvesting Approaches: DARPA-SN-23-77
