Rogue Space Systems Corporation has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a division within AFWERX. The grant, valued at over $1 million, focuses on advancing Space Domain Awareness (SDA) through the development of Autonomous Multi-spectral Resident-Space-Object Identification and Characterization (SAMRIC) technology. This initiative aims to ensure the safe and sustainable execution of In-Space Servicing and Manufacturing (ISAM) operations.
Currently, there are more than 5,000 operational satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), with projections suggesting tens of thousands more by 2030. This rapid growth raises concerns about the congestion, competitiveness, and potential contestation of Earth's orbits, particularly LEO. As global governments and businesses plan to deploy expansive new space systems, understanding the precise location, characteristics, and capabilities of space objects becomes critical for providing safe and effective logistics services. SDA data will be essential for the safety and security of all space objects.
Michael Pica, Rogue's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, emphasized the importance of SAMRIC technology, stating, "The ability to autonomously detect and identify RSO's in situ will greatly expand awareness of the local neighborhood, increasing safety and enabling more efficient ISAM activities."
Rogue's SAMRIC technology aims to enhance transparency in space by utilizing available sensors in orbit to improve tracking accuracy and characterizing space objects. Through in-situ observations, SAMRIC will classify and identify characteristics and infer capabilities of space objects, providing key insights into the identity, trajectory, and functions of these objects. This elevated situational awareness will play a crucial role in global space initiatives such as space traffic management and the verification of strategic obligations, thereby protecting U.S. and allied interests in orbit.
Jon Beam, Rogue's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the broader implications of SAMRIC, stating, "Being able to make real-time use of multiple types of sensors in orbit to complement both local and global SDA databases enables Rogue to be a citizen-contributor to the space ecosystem to grow the safety and sustainability of space."
For Rogue, SAMRIC represents a significant milestone in their technology roadmap, bringing them closer to building a fleet of Orbots™ enabled by in-situ orbital determination and client characterization. This advancement will facilitate safer and more effective in-space logistics services through Rogue's perceptual/autonomy system.
This award is a testament to the success of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have streamlined the SBIR/STTR process, accelerating the small business experience with faster proposal-to-award timelines. Since the introduction of the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, the Department of the Air Force has expanded the range of innovations it funds. Rogue's progress underscores the effectiveness of this approach.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
