Space Force releases RFI for space vehicles capabilities

The Space Force is looking for solutions that will help the service integrate military payloads onto a mature space vehicle with minimal modifications, according to a notice posted today.

The service wants to address two separate missions using two separate space vehicles that can provide redundant altitude control and orbit maintenance, according to the request for information.

“Both variants may share a launch vehicle and be required to achieve their respective operational orbits post separation independently,” the Space and Missile Command said.

Variant 1 main propulsion system may be either chemical or electric for the purposes of station keeping and adjusting the orbit from separation, while variant 2 must be chemical, the command noted.

The command’s requirement for variant 1 includes a payload power of more than 300 watts and 100 kg mass, while the payload power of variant 2 must be greater than 500 watts with a mass between 300-500 kg. Both variants are expected to have a lifeline of three to five years.

Adding more to the information the service is seeking, the Defense Department has asked potential contractors to describe their capability of developing and delivering the fully integrated SV in 18-24 months following an authority to proceed with an end goal to launch SV by fiscal year 2027 in their responses.