JANUARY 9, 2024 – The United States Space Force selected two institutions under the Space Strategic Technology Institute, or SSTI 2, to facilitate applied research in the areas of In-Space Operations, which includes Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics, or SAML.
In partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, USSF has selected the following lead institutions to receive a combined total of $49.9 million:
- University of Cincinnati
- Texas A&M University
This opportunity, pursuant to the In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing National Strategy, will focus on procurement of technologies relating to spaceflight experimentation and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.
Focus areas for the selected proposals include researching robotic servicing and associated modeling and simulation, developing testbeds, as well as CubeSat berthing and refueling technologies, developing constructive operations, large-scale in-space assembly, and debris mitigation.
This effort coincides with Space Force’s involvement in the Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities, or COSMIC, kickoff event, Nov. 7-8, 2023, and will contribute to the national coalition in what Chief of Space Operations Mobilization Assistant Maj. Gen. John Olson referred to as a “WeSAM” approach.
About Space Strategic Technology Institutes
The United States Space Force is establishing Space Strategic Technology Institutes to address space Science and Technology challenges through a network of partnered universities. Space Force envisions the institutes will facilitate and focus joint applied research on transformational space domain technology breakthroughs and developments that lead to the advancement of capabilities that can be transitioned and integrated into current and future USSF and U.S. government space capabilities. It is highly desired for the research to lead to testbeds, high fidelity modeling and simulations, demonstrations, and prototypes. The research is expected to transition technology to higher technology readiness levels throughout the period of performance, and out years will be awarded based on an evaluation of this ability. A link to the RFI solicitation is available here.
About Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities
The Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities is a U.S., nationwide coalition that will invigorate domestic In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing capability.
COSMIC’s mission is to make ISAM a routine part of space architectures and mission lifecycles to achieve the benefits described in the ISAM National Strategy (April, 2022). Goals will be approached in three thrusts: capability development, ecosystem economics and mission applications. Visit here for more information.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs