SBIR/STTR Research Award

Multipoint ThinSats for Autonomy, Resilience, and Performance (MARP)

Award identifier cc353181dfa1a5f65b663e4d58738c84aae45f1e78aeafaa579b9760f58de32cAwarding agency Department of Defense · Air Force

Award amount

$43,326

Program and phase

SBIR · Phase I

Award year

2020

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Award details

Awarding agency
Department of Defense
Branch
Air Force
Recipient company
NEARSPACE LAUNCH INC.
Proposal award date
2020-03-09
Contract end date
2020-06-09
UEI
CYHDPB4P5KM8
Solicitation number
X20.1
Topic code
J201-CSO1

Research abstract

NearSpace Launch (NSL)’s proposal for Multipoint ThinSats for Autonomy, Resilience, and Performance (MARP) is a key enabler for the Hybrid Architecture’s goal of distribution and diversification. In this proposal we will demonstrate a highly reliable, multipoint platform with near- ubiquitous communications and terrestrial cloud-based delivery to mission owners. This proposal builds upon the successful deployment of the first 60 ThinSat constellation launched into LEO orbit in 2019. Numerous ThinSats (1/7U) can stack together and do not require their own dispenser by leveraging standard 3U to 27U CubeSat launchers and embrace mass-manufacturing processes like robotic assembly. Under “High Performance Small Satellite, AREA 22 Space Technologies for ThinSats and CubeSats” this proposal addresses the following in our Objectives 1-3 (AF Connect, DOD Requirements, & Resources): NSL implements a powerful redundant Health and Safety data link for 24/7 Anywhere and Anytime coverage for rapid decision making. NSL partnership for a  miniature ADACS and partnership with Benchmark and other providers for novel Propulsion units that use Green Fuel Propulsion. NSL proposes use of novel Zero-Volt batteries that provide the ability to store for indefinite periods of time, and remove the storage constraint for SmallSat secondary launches. NSL has developed a novel articulating foldout (TRL=9), a low-cost deployable foldout structure Under “Ubiquitous Satellite Command, Control, and Operations, AREA 22 Space Technologies” this proposal addresses in our Objectives the following three AF focus areas: NSL has developed many subsystems for the Hybrid Architecture in constellations and commercial 24/7 communication systems for space assets and rapid decision making Microservice for decision engine to detect, characterize, and assess threats Innovation methods of Rapid Integration of many data node sources into a classified cloud environment ThinSat platforms have many advantages over CubeSats form factors for multipoint constellations including affordability, quick assembly ease, performance, aerodynamics, and stealth performance.  Using a TRL=9 interlock system no CubeSat launcher modifications are required. Each ThinSat is scaled up to military grade mission assurance and radiation harness. Integrated ThinSats and CubeSats are a disruptive technology and with options for high growth in DOD and Commercial markets. The MARP team has been on the leading edge of innovation: Dr. Voss, as PI and Mr. Jeff Dailey as Chief Engineer have over 70 years of space systems experience (Lockheed, NASA, AF, DOD). NSL has over 400 flight DOD, NASA, and Commercial subsystems in space with ~100% success with high Quality Assurance, Rapid delivery, Resilience, and Performance, NSL has built 60 ThinSats and 10 full CubeSats that have all met full mission success. NSL is currently under contract for 7 Commercial and DOD satellites for launch next year.

Technology keywords

Not reported

Other awards by this recipient

Verified by the same UEI. These are other public SBIR/STTR award pages, not a merged company record.

Awards with the same topic code

Verified by an exact topic code match. This is not a text-similarity match.

Research funding history

9 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2019–2022). Reported award amounts total $2,742,860. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.

Phases: Phase I, Phase II

Agencies: Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Agency intelligence

Department of Defense

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