Tactically Responsive Space Payload Refueling System

Outpost Technologies and Rubicon Space Systems propose an 18-month effort to develop a AF-M315E “ASCENT” fueling system compliant with Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission requirements, SSCMAN 91-710, and internally developed performance requirements.  Outpost Technologies and Rubicon Space Systems completed a Phase I SBIR that demonstrated a fueling system functionality via test and meets Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5.  The Phase II effort shall advance the ASCENT Fueling system technology and ultimately meet TRL 7 and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 8 via:Hardware DeliveryPilot Line manufacturing demonstrated: QTY 3 ASCENT Fueling Systems produced (MRL 8)QTY 3 split between Customer, Outpost, and RubiconComponents procured, integrated, and tested at Outpost in compliance to AS9100D-certified quality management systemTest and EvaluationASCENT Fueling System qualified with Demonstration Test at Customer-preferred location in an integrated state in a relevant operational environment (TRL 7)ASCENT material compatibility testing completed for all wetted materials in fueling systemData Package DeliveryPreliminary Hazard ReportQuality Data PackageDesign Data: Assembly Drawings, neutral CAD files, and vendor dataOutpost Quality Form 8.3.1, Release Program Requirements DocumentOutpost Quality Forms 8.3.2, Requirement Closure Notices for all Requirements in 8.3.1As-Run Test Records from Dress Rehearsal Test or DemonstrationSSCMAN 91-170 Compliance Matrix, Volumes 3 and 6Users’ ManualCommercialization Supporting Commercial Partners (Rubicon Space and Quantum Space) provide guidance for commercial applicability in thruster system development, launch services, and payload integration servicesGathered investments and matched funds for STRATFI or TACFI opportunities post-Phase IIService Description and Scope for fueling services offered as part of Outpost’s engineering services or Rubicon Space’s ASCENT propulsion systems developmentAssessment of System applicability for other propellants, fuels, and chemicalsThe Phase II effort will commence with immediate fabrication and testing of the fueling system design delivered under Phase I.  This prototype will provide new lessons learned and accelerate design and development towards the final design delivered under Phase II.  All vendors have been assessed and a complete bill of materials is prepared for immediate procurement in month 1 of the Phase II.  The team will then proceed to detailed design and analysis of a new fueling system design that is informed from 3 sources: The prototype integration, testing, and evaluation lessons learned The AFRL Customers’ guidance on industry and TacRS missionsCommercial partnerships such as Rubicon Space and Quantum Space product developmentThe final stage will be pilot line production and fueling system demonstration.  Outpost and Rubicon will fabricate 3 fueling systems with full traceability consistent with Air Force GSE and fueling system requirements