RADIAN AEROSPACE INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF203-CSO1

Description

Decades of United States technical superiority in space are under attack from China and Russia.  Space access is a foundational pillar of continued space dominance and must be maintained and diversified.  Military and commercial launch needs have changed to proliferated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations for greater resilience leading to a space access bottleneck with thousands of satellites in development.  With domestic launch capacity sitting at less than 100 space launches a year, alternatives are needed immediately.  The Air Force Research Lab is aggressively researching game changing technologies like very low LEO orbits with continuous propulsion, orbital outposts in geosynchronous orbit, and space situational awareness sensors to monitor the cislunar volume.  Space launch must keep pace to enable this revolution, through all phases of conflict.  Uniquely positioned in the medium lift category (5,000 lbs. and below), Radian’s proposed vehicle reaches orbit rapidly from multiple launch sites and can relaunch multiple times a week.  A single Radian vehicle can transport over 520,000 pounds to orbit each year launching twice per week and can support rapid redeployment.  A small squadron of Radian vehicle creates enormous flexibility and resilience through all levels of conflict, outpacing and outlasting any of today’s launch systems.  During our Phase I Period of Performance, Radian will conduct intensive study R/R&D to explore problems with potential end-users, explore anticipated benefits, clearly define needed solution adaptations, and define clear milestones and acceptance criteria for Phase II efforts. Additionally, Radian will continuously network to find and engage several potential End-Users/Customers. During the last 50 days of the Period of Performance, Radian will develop measurable deliverables for future research of the proposed solutions with Air Force and Space Force.