Bodyguard - Deployable System for ASAT Defense

ôTodayĺs reality of an increasingly contested, congested and competitive space domain underscores the critical need for a more resilient space architecture: one that the U.S. and allied nations can rely on to perform during times of crisis and conflict, whether accidental, intentional or environmental. 2026 is a key target in our timeline to develop, deliver and sustain capabilities that empower our warfighters, protect our nation, and secure our prosperity.ö - Space Systems CommandáThis proposal is for a low cost, expendable satellite decoy to protect against incoming anti-satellite kinetic attacks (direct ascent or co-orbital). This is similar in functionality to chaff and flares for aircraft. These satellite decoys, called Bodyguards, are inflatable balloons that can be packed into a small volume (less than 1 U each), stowed within a dispensing mechanism, and then rapidly deployed and inflated within a few seconds to greater than 3 meters in diameter. Bodyguard signatures can be customized to simulate the host vehiclesĺs IR signature, visible light signature, and/or RADAR return signature. Through thin films and coatings, these signatures can be mixed and matched to varying degrees, thus complicating the ôshell gameö for adversaries. This system is completely passive, except for a brief deployment signal, and can remain stowed on orbit for years without degradation.áThe various films (Polyester, Kapton, Mylar, etc.) in addition to particular surface treatments (color dye, vapor deposited aluminum,vapor deposited gold, etc.) can be traded with the overall size and number of gores to closely resemble the RADAR return, IR signature, and visible light glint of the host satellite. The gores can be alternated between these films to leverage each materialĺs unique properties and generate the desired average return in several wavelength regimes simultaneously. Using a combination of ANSYS HFSS, STK, MATLAB, and COAST/FIST modeling, the team can perform parametric analyses of return signal for a wide range of Bodyguard size, shape, and surface treatments to closely match the HVA Satellite signature on enemy sensors.áBodyguard construction and design methodologies were first pioneered for large aperture deployable antennas for small SWaP satellites. By building on the materials, manufacturing processes, and best practices, developed in the commercial sector we effectively reduce risk on the development of the Bodyguard system. Additional advancements that result from the development of the Bodyguard system will be carried back to these commercial applications to improve the size and performance of these deployable antenna systems - resulting in low-cost smallsats that can deliver improved performance for SAR, SIGINT, Communications, and other applications.áOur team is uniquely qualified to develop this technology, analyze its ability to disrupt enemy kill-chains, and bring it to DoD and commercial markets.