DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office is seeking information regarding technologies, modelling, simulation and testing of spacecraft for the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) environment.
Specifically, DARPA is interested in the following key challenges:
- Information and insights related to the unique challenges related to the VLEO environment including but not limited to atmospheric composition, rarified gas environment, and gas surface interaction.
- Information and insights related to spacecraft design in a rarefied gas environment, air breathing electric propulsion, electrical power generation, guidance, navigation, and control in VLEO, material solutions to address VLEO environmental effects (eg atomic oxygen), other operational challenges, nuclear regulatory considerations, and legal and policy challenges unique to theVLEO regime.
- Information related to modeling, simulation, ground testing, and in-flight diagnostics for the above topics.
- Information related to mission enabling technology development such as compact optics, conformal antennae, etc.
Response are due 30 August 2024.
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Request for Information – VLEO: DARPA-SN-24-98
