DARPA Seeks Small Lunar Orbiter for Water Ice Prospecting and Low Orbit Operations

In an effort to advance its lunar exploration capabilities, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced a new program solicitation for a small lunar orbiter. The proposed spacecraft will play a crucial role in testing operations in very low orbits while searching for water ice on the Moon's surface.

Program Overview

The DARPA program aims to develop a compact, versatile lunar orbiter that can be used to conduct a variety of missions, including:

• Testing and validation of small satellite technologies
• Prospecting for water ice and other resources on the Moon
• Developing capabilities for deep space operations

The proposed orbiter will need to demonstrate its ability to operate efficiently in very low orbits (VLO) around the Moon, which is an area of great interest for future lunar missions.

Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

1. Develop and demonstrate a small lunar orbiter: The proposed spacecraft must be capable of operating effectively in VLOs and performing its intended mission tasks.
2. Test and validate small satellite technologies: The orbiter will need to integrate and test various small satellite technologies, including propulsion systems, power generation, and communication equipment.
3. Prospect for water ice and other resources: The spacecraft must demonstrate its ability to detect and map the distribution of water ice and other resources on the Moon's surface.
4. Enable deep space operations: The orbiter will need to be capable of conducting long-duration missions in deep space, with a focus on developing capabilities for autonomous operation.

Key Requirements

The proposed lunar orbiter must meet the following key requirements:

• Mass: The spacecraft must weigh no more than 200 kg (440 lbs).
• Orbit: The orbiter must be able to operate effectively in VLOs around the Moon.
• Power generation: The spacecraft must be capable of generating power using a solar panel or other means.
• Communication equipment: The orbiter must be equipped with communication equipment that can transmit data back to Earth.
• Propulsion system: The spacecraft must have a propulsion system that can achieve the desired orbital trajectory.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

DARPA is seeking proposals from industry partners and academic institutions. The proposal submission guidelines are as follows:

• Submission deadline: Proposals must be submitted by [insert date].
• Response format: Proposals should be submitted in a PDF or Word document format.
• Eligibility: Eligible proposers include industry partners, academic institutions, and small businesses.

Timeline

The DARPA program is expected to proceed with the following timeline:

• Proposal submission period: [Insert date] - [Insert date]
• Review and evaluation: [Insert date] - [Insert date]
• Award announcement: [Insert date]

Conclusion

The DARPA lunar orbiter program represents an exciting opportunity for industry partners and academic institutions to contribute to the advancement of space exploration capabilities. The proposed spacecraft will play a crucial role in testing operations in VLOs while prospecting for water ice on the Moon's surface. We look forward to reviewing high-quality proposals from eligible proposers.

Next Steps

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please review the DARPA program solicitation and follow the submission guidelines carefully. Additional information about the program can be found on the [insert website URL].