Monitor Your Surroundings: Space RCO Proposes Utilizing Satellites for Detecting Surrounding Risks and Perils
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) has launched a new program, referred to as the "Prime Fusion Pilot Accelerator," in conjunction with FedTech. This initiative aims to bolster satellite operations by uniting venture-backed startups to expedite the creation of innovative space techniques. The program's primary focus is on enhancing the Space Force's agility and adaptability in orbit, particularly by developing advanced satellite systems that improve dynamic space operations.
For the Space Force, the analytical and operational awareness of their satellites—termed "own-ship awareness" by the Space RCO—is a vital concern. Matt Fetrow, director of strategic communications at the Space RCO, underscored that this objective is slightly distinct from the current areas of investment for space domain awareness and space situational awareness. Instead, it emphasizes the need to prioritize operators' real-time awareness of potential anomalies, hazards, and threats to their satellites.
Recent efforts have placed an increased emphasis on equipping satellites with onboard sensors and software to provide operators with continuing warnings about potential threats. However, there are challenges in achieving an optimal balance between own-ship awareness sensors and other payloads within the satellite. Overloading the satellite with self-protection sensors could result in an overwhelming of its capacities and no space for other functions. Another challenge is ensuring that these sensors come integrated or standard on satellite buses, striving to move away from the conventional practice of integrating payloads and buses separately following purchase.
As a means to address these challenges, the Space RCO has selected ten venture capital-backed startups to form five teams, working together to develop and innovate solutions for own-ship awareness over the next eight weeks. Each team will present their ideas at a pitch event in March, held at the RCO's headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The teams involved are Active Vigilance, Turion Space, Digantara, Anduril, Geost, Impulse Space, Raptor Dynamix, True Anomaly, TRL11, and BlackVe. These companies work on various aspects of spacecraft engineering and operation-ranging from building satellites to developing artificial intelligence (AI) for space operations and mission control software.
The Space RCO does not have an immediate procurement plan to acquire pitches from the winning teams. However, the office remains hopeful that it can integrate what it learns from this program into future initiatives to enhance satellite capabilities. This accelerator program is part of the Space RCO's broader strategy of rapidly fielding new spacecraft with increased maneuverability to counter orbital threats. The Prime Fusion Pilot Accelerator is also intended to support and align with other initiatives, such as the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power program office directed by Col. Byron McClain.
- The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) is focusing on enhancing the Space Force's defense by prioritizing operators' real-time awareness of potential threats to their satellites, a concern termed "own-ship awareness."
- To tackle the challenges of achieving an optimal balance between own-ship awareness sensors and other satellite payloads, the Space RCO has selected ten venture capital-backed startups to develop and innovate solutions for own-ship awareness.
- The teams selected for the Prime Fusion Pilot Accelerator are diverse, working on various aspects of spacecraft engineering and operation, from building satellites to developing artificial intelligence for space operations.
- Despite not having an immediate procurement plan for the winning pitches from the accelerator program, the Space RCO aims to integrate what it learns from this initiative into future plans to enhance satellite capabilities and counter orbital threats, aligning with other programs like the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power.
