Space Force conducting market research on SBSS as a service

The Space Force is considering its options for acquiring Space-Based Space Surveillance capabilities as a service and is reaching out to industry for input.

Space Systems Command released a sources-sought synopsis Nov. 18 to get insight into the feasibility and possible market for SBSS as a service.

According to the notice, the work would include contractor operations and maintenance of the current on-orbit SBSS Block 10 system. The existing SBSS Block 10 sustainment contract only includes maintenance and sustainment of the system, not operations.

“This sources-sought will inform the government if contractor operations and maintenance of the SBSS Block 10 space vehicle can be performed as a service from cleared defense contractor facilities, if and when SBSS Block 10 is decommissioned from operational service in support of the space domain awareness mission area,” the notice states.

SSC notes that many of the system’s critical design elements are proprietary, owned by Boeing and Ball Aerospace, and the government doesn’t plan to purchase the associated data rights.