AFOSR/PK, 110 Duncan Avenue, Room B115, Bolling AFB, DC 20332-8050

A -- AFOSR SPECIAL BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR TECHSAT 21 (AFOSR BAA 98-6) SOL AFOSR BAA 98-6 DUE 073198 POC Dr Gerald Witt, AFRL/AFOSR WEB: Research Opportunities, http://www.afosr.af.mil. E-MAIL: None, gerald.witt@afosr.af.mil. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is interested in sponsoring basic research that supports the Air Force Research Laboratory's revolutionary approach to performing space missions using large clusters of micro-satellites. One of these concepts, dubbed TechSat 21, involves satellites flying in formation that operate cooperatively to perform a surveillance mission. The five areas identified for basic research are described below after a brief description of the TechSat 21 concept. TechSat 21 Overview The TechSat 21 concept was motivated by the need to reduce the weight and cost of space systems. Previous studies have suggested that, by partitioning the functions of a single large satellite into a number of smaller satellites that orbit together in close proximity and operate cooperatively, one could achieve cost and weight reductions Such ideas involve a cluster of several to many satellites that fly in formations of from 10 to 1000 meters in size. This cluster has a relatively stable formation that requires very little propulsive impulse to maintain, but may require minute impulse capability for precision formation maintenance. This propulsive capability also allows the cluster to be reconfigured, so that its geometric formation could be optimized for a particular mission. The cluster operates cooperatively to perform a function, in a sense as a "virtual" satellite. The satellites are in constant communication with each other, and each could perform a unique dedicated task, or the cluster could operate like a parallel computer, each nearly identical satellite contributing a small part to the whole. These ideas have been applied to the radar mission, and some preliminary estimates have indicated that there is some merit to this approach. To adequately examine the feasibility of this approach, a number of critical questions need to be answered: How can the information sensed by a number of smaller sensor (like radar) apertures be combined to increase the performance of the whole? And the related question: What are optimal geometric formations of the smaller apertures? What orbits or orbital control techniques are possible to maintain the desired configuration? What types of propulsion systems are required? What is the spatial and temporal structure of the ionosphere on the scale of the spatial separation of the satellites and the duration of observation? What are the effects of these variations on the operation of a sparse aperture sensor (like radar)? How can small, low-cost satellites be devised that have significant capability? What role do Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMSs) play in enabling these low-cost satellites? What are the key impediments and challenges to using MEMS for micro-satellites? How can these clusters be made to cooperate effectively without the need for complex satellite control computers and software algorithms? These questions form the basis for the research topics described below. More information on micro-satellites and the TechSat 21 concept can be found at the following website: http://www.vs.afrl.af.mil/factsheets/TechSat21.html. In addition, questions can be directed to Capt. Rich Cobb, AFRL/VSD at (505) 846-1340 or Dr. Gerald Witt, AFRL/AFOSR, (202) 767-4932. 1. Micro-Propulsion Points of Contact: Dr. Mitat Birkan, AFRL/AFOSR, (202) 767-4938 Dr. Ronald Spores, AFRL/PR, (805) 275-5528 There is a need for fundamental investigations of micro-electric, micro-chemical, and micro-fluidic propulsion systems. Emphasis is on high specific-impulse systems, medium- and low-thrust systems, and long-life or space-durability aspects. Some key issues include (1) micro-scale fluid, plasma, and combustion dynamics, (2) propellant and system materials compatibility, and (3) durability and life of micro-nozzles and micro-electric propulsion system components. 2. Sparse Aperture Radar Points of Contact: Arje Nachman, AFRL/AFOSR, (202) 767-4939 Dr. Yolanda King, AFRL/VSS, (505) 846-6280 This basic research program will address how to use additionally sensed information (e.g. angle of arrival) from a sparse aperture to counter typical problems with sparse array radar concepts (small signal/noise, large clutter spread, etc.). The primary focus is for Moving Target Indicator (MTI) radar mode with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) as a secondary interest. Quantification of the information needed to resolve target/signal ambiguities typically inherent in range/Doppler MTI radar is needed along with algorithm development to use this information to uniquely measure targets. Additionally, sensitivity analysis of noise and error terms to the overall performance, and proposed mitigation techniques should be addressed. 3. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Points of Contact: Dr. Howard Schlossberg, AFRL/AFOSR, (202) 767-4909 Dr. Natalie Clark, AFRL/VSS, (505) 846-9969 MEMS promise dramatic capabilities in minuscule packages. The need for such devices in capable micro-satellites is recognized, and this basic research would investigate characteristics of these systems or their applications that could dramatically change the way satellites are built and operated. One such basic research program would investigate employment of MEMs switch and connector technologies to micro-satellite applications. Study of optimal micro-switch networks and wiring manifolds for multi-functional structure substrates. Multi-functional structure panels cannot achieve economies of scale if every panel substrate is different. It should be possible to determine an optimum wiring manifold and embedded switch system that can be "proved" to be optimum for all likely satellite subsystem architectures such as power generation/charging/storage, processor/CD&H/backup memory, attitude control/propulsion, thermal control, communication whether RF or optical, and payloads of various types(imaging, passive monitoring, radar T/R, other passive sensors). Alternatively, proposals are solicited for a small family of interlocking wiring layer capability and on-orbit repairability in the manifold/switch array design. 4. Ionospheric Effects Points of Contact: Maj Paul Bellaire, AFRL/AFOSR, (202) 767-7900 Dr. Keith Groves, AFRL/VSB, (781) 377-3137 A basic research program investigating global ionospheric effects which affect the performance of space based radars. Emphasis is on small-scale (<100m) ionospheric structures and dynamics, radio wave propagation, advanced ground-based or space-based ionospheric diagnostic techniques and instruments, advanced modeling techniques to characterize and predict ionospheric effects and techniques to mitigate or correct for ionospheric effects. The research must address aspects of these effects that are peculiar to distributed aperture systems. 5. Collective Behavior of Intelligent Systems Point of Contact: Dr. Marc Jacobs, AFRL/AFOSR, (202) 767-5027, AFRL/AFOSR Lt. George Schneiderman, AFRL/VSS, (505) 853-4112 Determine how simple control systems (limited intelligence) for individuals in a swarm can be chosen to exhibit desirable collective or emergent behavior. Some desirable behaviors include collision avoidance (disconfiguration) and reconfiguration, parallel computation and solution of weakly defined problems, environmentally adaptive reconfiguration, knowledge sharing and knowledge base synchronization, etc. Examine and characterize the stability and uniqueness of these emergent behaviors. Submission of TechSat 21 Research Proposals AFOSR is inviting submission of basic research proposals in response to these TechSat 21 science and technology needs. Those interested are strongly encouraged to contact the points of contact shown above for additional information prior to submitting proposals specifically directed at these areas. Proposals specifically directed at TechSat 21 areas should be identified as such and should reference the specific TechSat 21 area. To ensure the consideration of proposals for funding in fiscal year 1999, it is essential that proposals reach AFOSR by July 31, 1998. The mailing address for proposals is given below. Special Topic: University Nanosatellite Program Points of Contact: Howard Schlossberg, AFRL/AFOSR, (202) 767-4902 Joe Mitola, DARPA/STO, (703) 243-9830 Maurice Martin, AFRL/VSS (NRC), (505) 853-4118 Dr. Bill Clapp, AFRL/VSD, (801) 626-7272 This topic is only open to U.S. colleges/universities or consortia of universities. AFOSR and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are jointly funding up to 10 research projects centered on the design and demonstration of nanosatellites. (Satellites sized 1 -- 10 kg). These grants of $50k/year over two years will be awarded for universities to design, assemble, and conduct on-orbit experiments for these satellites. AFOSR and DARPA encourage universities to pursue creative low-cost space experiments to explore the military usefulness of nanosatellites. Experiments in formation flying, enhanced communications, miniaturized sensors, attitude control, maneuvering, docking, power collection, deorbit at end of life, or other on-orbit demonstrations of advanced space technology are of particular interest. Universitiesare encouraged to secure additional funding, hardware, and use of facilities from industry or government agencies and to identify the dollar value of these resources in the proposal. Universities interested in payload development only are encouraged to team with universities who will be proposing satellite fabrication. Consortia of universities may submit proposals for multiple satellites but must have at least as many universities as the number of satellites proposed. Proposals should address the specific satellite research issues to be addressed andthe anticipated satellite capabilities, and provide a plan for completing the project. A single university may submit multiple proposals and depending on the teaming arrangements may be part of more than one award. The proposal should provide specifics related to mission objectives, research issues to be addressed, estimated size and weight, experience in space research hardware fabrication, partners, key personnel, and a student management plan. Proposals should be less than 10 single-sided pages, be submitted by 30 Sept 98. It is highly desirable that a large number of the research projects result in launch-ready nanosatellites. The satellites should be ready for launch not later than Sept 2000. Universities may arrange their own launches or may design to an AFRL-funded DoD or NASA shuttle launch on or after Dec 2000. Satellite dimensions must accommodate ten satellites and the deployment structure fitting within a shuttle hitchhiker payload volume of 54" x 42.5" x 24." Example satellite envelopes are 20" x 19" x 7.5" or 25" x 12" x 10.5", but other dimensions will be accommodated to the extent possible. Satellites should comply with shuttle design restrictions and withstand launch environments of both the shuttle and standard small launch vehicles. The operational life of the satellites may be any length of time greater than 1 month, but a design life of at least 4 months is highly encouraged. AFRL will supply the deployment structure and separation systems, payload integration, and assist with other system level concerns such as securing frequency clearances, clarifying launch environments, etc. AFOSR and DARPA are interested in proposals from university coalitions to design, fabricate and prepare for launch sets of three nanosatellites capable of demonstrating formation flying, on-orbit local area communication networks, and other distributed satellite capability. It is desired that the satellites have hardware that permits 1) accurate relative position determination, 2) thrust capability for precise orbital insertion for formation flying (minimal thrust expected after insertion), 3) local communications with at least one satellite having ground link capability, and 4) on-board memory for storing both uplinked commands and experiment data for downlink. Universities are encouraged to find low-cost and innovative ways of implementing the above functions or may propose alternate means of maintaining formation such as tethers or something other than active attitude and orbit control. Proposals need only address a level of on-orbit collaboration deemed feasible and may identify specific hardware to be provided by the government. Universities are not limited to the ideas presented, and may request assistance from AFRL, AFOSR, and DARPA in developing and implementing operational concepts of interest to DoD. These three satellites may have additional technology payloads as size, weight, and power allow. Note 26. (0162)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0002 19980615\A-0002.SOL)