Space Force seeks new space domain awareness software

The Space Force is looking to retire legacy space domain awareness systems and introduce new capabilities for the 18th Space Defense Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base, according to a request for information posted by the service yesterday.

A total of 18 mission areas with numerous sub-capabilities are identified by the RFI as candidates for new systems, ranging from observation and space threat processing to sensor tasking and calibration.

The Space Force expects several criteria from the new software, including government purpose rights or details for how unique intellectual property would function in an open architecture environment; modern cloud technologies and methodologies; web-based user interfaces; enterprise services; a test, training and exercise capability; and integration of the new systems with existing capabilities and subsequent sustainment support.

If selected, the new software could facilitate decommissioning of systems such as the Space Defense Operations Center and Astrodynamics Support Workstation and could enhance other mission areas like cooperative and non-cooperative proliferated low earth orbit launches, the RFI states.

The service is seeking responses that can connect and contribute across existing capabilities, according to the RFI, and additional RFIs may be issued concerning other capabilities or mission imperatives.

Responses are due Aug. 16 and will be reviewed by a collection of government employees, academics and private contractors, the RFI says.