SDA Requests Information on Potential Space Antenna Array Payloads

Posted On: October 17, 2023

Original Response Date: November 17, 2023

The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks industry feedback on potential space antenna array payloads, which could prove valuable for future SDA tranches and/or experimentation. Antenna arrays provide benefits from beam agility to interference rejection but have typically been associated with high cost, power, and size; recent advances have reduced the barriers to employing these antennas on SDA satellites. 

Electronically controlled antenna arrays enable a broad range of capabilities for satellites.  From the ability to form multiple beams to extremely fast beam steering, antenna arrays enable compelling use cases for satellite operators. SDA believes that antenna array technology may be reaching a level of maturity where such systems are economically and technically feasible for smaller, proliferated space vehicles that are commonly used for the SDA mission set.

Responses to this request for information will inform SDA on the technical and manufacturing readiness of antennas required for future efforts such as Tranche 2 Demonstration and Evaluation System (T2DES), Tranche 3 Transport and Tracking Layers, and other SDA efforts. 

Responses to the request for information are due by 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 17, 2023. Please view the full RFI at the link for additional details and for submission instructions.