K2 Space Mega Class Satellite

This STRATFI proposal builds on development conducted across (4) Phase II SBIR awards and a SBIR TACFI.  Under those contracts, K2 Space has designed a satellite bus with the ability to multi-manifest up to (10) highly-performant satellites in a single Falcon 9-sized launch platform (SBIR Contract FA24012390019), to precisely point that bus in support of large-aperture optical and RF payloads (STTR Contract FA864923P1263), to adapt inspection, servicing, and refueling payloads to that bus (SBIR Contract FA864923P1082), and to equip that bus with the highest powered electric propulsion (EP) system ever flown in orbit (SBIR Contract FA864924P0377).  Additionally, K2 Space is working with the DoD Space Test Program (SSC/SZIS) to identify and perform the engineering required to integrate several DoD payloads from the SERB list onto our first Mega Class bus, under a TACFI award.  This STRATFI proposal is the continuation of these lines of effort. This proposal aims to develop the K2 Space Mega Class satellite bus through TRL-9 by completing the bus design, integrating DAF payloads onto the bus, launching the completed satellite aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in early 2026, and operating it in LEO and MEO. The development proposed is a direct continuation of the development being conducted under our Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) Phase II effort (“High Powered Electric Propulsion System for Space Vehicles”) which identifies DAF operational requirements and advances the propulsion system through TRL-6 with a fully integrated propulsion system demonstration.  This STRATFI proposal also continues the development of technologies and initiatives of three other Phase II SBIRs as described in Paragraph 3.2, and a SBIR TACFI, described below:Identification of suitable DoD payloads from the Space Experiments Review Board (SERB) list.Completion and dissemination of payload interface design criteria review of mechanical, thermal, electrical, software, mission operations, and data transfer protocols.Completion, publication, and dissemination to the payload providers of the requisite interface control documents (data transfer, electrical, software, and mechanical).Completion of a payload hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulatorThis STRATFI proposal continues the development of the program through the following major milestones:Payload testing on the HITL simulator and a subsequent payload integration readiness review (IRR)Integration of the payload(s) and bus, and the necessary testing and qualification of the completed satellite (acoustic, static load/shock/vibe, EMI/EMC, and thermal vacuum [TVAC]), leading to the successful completion of a flight readiness review (FRR)Launch of the satellite aboard a Falcon 9 Transporter missionDeployment, activation, and operation of the satellite in low earth orbit (LEO), including an activation report, initial data delivery report, and data delivery on a recurring basis to support the goals of the individual payloads.