Jamie Bennet
The Department of Defense is soliciting proposals for its planned expeditions in the region beyond the Earth’s geosynchronous orbit.
A project notice posted on the Defense Innovation Unit’s website says the agency is seeking companies that can develop and demonstrate technologies and payloads for its proposed Sinequone space vehicle, which will be launched to a predetermined location in xGEO.
DOD intends to explore at least one of the five lunar orbits and Earth-Moon Lagrange points by delivering a spacecraft ranging in size between the 12U CubeSat and ESPA Grande standards. An autonomous payload would be onboard the vehicle, preferably with visible and infrared imaging, high-impulse propulsion, space-radiation monitoring, and free-space optical communication capabilities.
The solicitation may lead to prototype other transaction agreements, which could be in the form of teaming arrangements involving multiple awardees. The agency expects a demonstration within 12 to 18 months of award.
Interested vendors may submit their proposal responses until Dec. 21.
