Continuous Custody During Transport

ABSTRACT: The Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORS) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are currently undertaking an initiative on Open Manufacturing for satellites and space systems, with the goal of improved reliability, faster development, and reduced cost. The present SBIR topic (AF141-106) is very much related to this effort as it seeks to develop technologies that provide game-changing responsiveness for spacecraft. Applied Minds, LLC (AMI) proposes to use this SBIR topic to fund the design of one specific aspect of the Open Manufacturing program the assurance of continuous custody of a satellite or space system during transport. We intend to adapt certain methods and designs that are part of the Open Manufacturing project to the needs of satellite transport. BENEFIT: Anticipated benefits include immediate application to the Open Manufacturing program, and benefits to the space program as a whole. The technologies and processes developed during the effort are likely to have wider applications in the transportation and shipping industries, as part of the fulfillment function.