Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Contract Management Directorate (CMD), 3701 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203-1714

A -- WATER-BASED SPACE POWER/PROPULSION CONCEPTS SOL RFI 00-05 DUE 120199 POC Mr. Samuel B. Wilson, III, DARPA/TTO, FAX: (703) 696-2204 WEB: cleack here to download a copy of the sources sought, http://www.darpa.mil/baa/#tto. DARPA is considering supporting research and development of space propulsion concepts employing new, novel or unconventional fuels with properties enabling satellite-to-satellite fuel transfers. DARPA is particularly interested in concepts for the on-orbit use of water for the generation and storage of spacecraft electrical energy and/or generation of propulsive power due to water's seemingly unique advantages as a prospective space power/propulsion feedstock: readily available in virtually limitless quantity, at extremely low cost; nonflammable; nonvolatile; nontoxic; noncorrosive; nonpolluting; and, easily convertible on-orbit (using solar-powered electrolytic decomposition into hydrogen and oxygen) into regenerative fuel cell consumables and high-energy propellant. The purpose of this sources sought announcement is to assist DARPA in assessing the number, nature and maturity of concepts for the use of new, novel or unconventional fuels for space propulsion prior to a program being initiated. This prospective initiative is related to but independent of DARPA's planned ASTRO/Orbital Express program (for details see CBD notice titled, "ASTRO/Orbital Express: Satellite Preplanned Electronics Upgrade, Refueling and Reconfiguration"). INDUSTRY DAY: Mr. Sam Wilson, DARPA/TTO Program Manager, will host a half-day, unclassified/FOUO review of both this prospective program and the planned Orbital Express program for interested representatives of the U.S. Government and U.S. industry only, on 10 Nov 1999 (for details see CBD notice titled, "ASTRO/Orbital Express Industry Day"). TYPE OF CONCEPTS SOUGHT: For the purposes of this announcement, economical transport of fuel (e.g., water) from the Earth's surface to orbit is assumed, as are techniques for on-orbit rendezvous and docking. Concepts should address: (1) on-orbit methods for large-scale storage and handling of fuel, and (if applicable) the on-orbit electrolysis of water for the production of hydrogen and oxygen and the storage and handling of hydrogen and oxygen electrolytic products; (2) descriptions of mechanical and electrical interfaces required to effect the transfer of fuel between the on-orbit storage/electrolysis processing spacecraft and an intermediate on-orbit servicing spacecraft, or ASTRO (Autonomous Space Transporter and Robotic Orbiter), and descriptions of the interfaces required to transfer fuel between the ASTRO servicing spacecraft and the serviced/receiver satellite; (3) description of the method(s) by which the proposed new, novel or unconventional fuel would be used for spacecraft power generation/storage or propulsion (maneuvering and/or attitude control); (4) analysis of the cost and power/propulsion efficiency of the proposed concept for on-orbit power generation/storage and/or propulsion; (5) identification of key enabling technologies and assessment of their relative maturity (using the NASA Technology Readiness Levels); (6) identification of current, planned or prospective spacecraft types and/or space missions for which proposed concept is a viable power or propulsion application; and, (7) proposed approach for concept demonstration on-orbit and/or at ground-based facilities. INFORMATION SOUGHT: For each proposed concept, potential sources are invited to submit the following: (1) detailed technical description; (2) photograph(s) or figure(s) with annotations of key processes and subsystems; (3) assessed potential for unmanned/autonomous on-orbit operation; (4) specifications for each key process and subsystem showing (at least) estimated performance characteristics, size, weight, volume, power and thermal requirements, processing efficiency and throughput rate, power generation/storage and/or propulsion cost and efficiency, and operational life/mean time before failure (MTBF) in the space environment without repair/replacement intervention Potential sources are urged to be concise in their submissions. WHAT TO SUBMIT: Two original hard copies of submissions, printed on 8 1/2'' x 11'' pages. Submissions cannot be sent by FAX or e-mail. Sources submitting information will not be reimbursed by the Government for any expenses incurred. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Mr. Samuel B. Wilson, III, DARPA/TTO, ATTN: RFI No. 00-05, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714. DARPA point of contact phone number: (703) 696-2310. For additional information, you may contact DARPA's SETA contractor: SRS Technologies, phone number: (703) 284-7789. WHEN TO SUBMIT: On or before 01 December 1999. NOTICE REGARDING CLASSIFICATION: Submitted material must be unclassified. NOTICE REGARDING PROPRIETARY INFORMATION: Submitted material is for planning purposes only. All submitted materials will be held in strictest confidence and will be designated for Government use only. NOTICE REGARDING SOLICITATIONS: This announcement is for information and planning purposes only, and does not constitute a BAA, IFB, or RFP. Nothing in this notice shall be construed as a commitment by the United States Government. Posted 11/09/99 (W-SN399446). (0313)

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