Satellite Bus Request for Information

1. Introduction

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) to gather information from industry regarding the availability and capabilities of Space Vehicles (SVs). This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to award a contract. Responses to this RFI will be used to shape future acquisition strategies.

2. Background and Objectives

SpRCO is seeking information on commercially available or readily adaptable SVs capable of operating in a near Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) environment. General requirements are outlined below. All specifications are provided in the attachment to this notice. The attachment is CUI, so interested parties will need to request access.

3. Scope and Requirements

The SV should possess the following capabilities:

• Mission Duration: Minimum 3 years, objective 5 years (including on-orbit checkout)


• Orbit: GEO +/- 500 km altitude, 0 deg +/- 8 deg inclination


• Operating Modes: Autonomous operation for at least 48 hours, safe mode capability, delta-V for orbit maintenance, end-of-life disposal capability, potential for rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).


• Payload Capacity: Support multiple payloads with flexible mass accommodation.


• Power: Provide sufficient power for launch, ascent, and nominal on-orbit operations.


• Data Handling: Support standard space data interfaces and provide on-board data storage.


• Guidance, Navigation, and Control: Three-axis stabilization, high-accuracy pointing, and maneuverability.


• Telemetry, Tracking, and Command: Robust and reliable communication capabilities.


• Cybersecurity: Implementation of robust cybersecurity measures.

4. Information Requested

Interested parties are requested to provide the following information:

• Company Profile: Overview of your organization's experience in developing and operating SVs.


• SV Capabilities: General description of your proposed SV, including key technical specifications and performance capabilities.


• Availability: Estimated timeframe for potential delivery of a flight-ready SV.


• Cost Estimates: High-level cost estimates.


• RPO Capabilities: Details on the SV's RPO capabilities and potential for future enhancements.


• Cybersecurity Approach: General description of your cybersecurity methodologies.

5. Submission Instructions

Responses to this RFI should be submitted electronically in PDF format to Jennifer Wilterdink at jennifer.wilterdink.1@spaceforce.mil and Tyler Breedlove at tyler.breedlove.1@spaceforce.mil no later than 11:59 MDT on 2 May 2025. Please limit your response to 15 pages.

6. Disclaimer

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The Space Rapid Capabilities Office reserves the right to use the information received to inform future acquisition strategies. No contract will be awarded based on responses to this RFI.