DARPA-SN-26-52: RFI - Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellite Power Capability
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), DARPA-SN-26-52, seeking industry capabilities related to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), and Cislunar satellite power. The RFI aims to understand the ability of space companies to produce satellites that can provide medium to high levels of Orbital Average Power (OAP) to payloads, particularly for high power-consumption applications like Space Data Centers. Responses are due by March 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is for information and program planning purposes only, not a solicitation for proposals. DARPA is gathering data on current and projected capabilities for satellite buses and thermal control systems across various orbits. The goal is to inform future research and development efforts.
Requested Information
DARPA requests detailed responses to five key areas:
- LEO Satellite Bus Capabilities: Launch projections (2025-2030) for buses with >3kW and >10kW OAP, production rates, TRL/MRL, and associated risks.
- MEO Satellite Bus Capabilities: Launch projections (2025-2030) for buses with >5kW and >20kW OAP, production rates, TRL/MRL, and associated risks.
- GEO Satellite Bus Capabilities: Launch projections (2025-2030) for buses with >5kW and >20kW OAP, production rates, TRL/MRL, and associated risks.
- Cislunar Orbit Capabilities: Launch projections (2025-2030) for buses with >5kW and >20kW OAP, production rates, TRL/MRL, and associated risks.
- Thermal Control Systems: Methods for payload cooling, company experience, TRL/MRL of systems, and perspectives on emerging technologies (e.g., variable emissivity surfaces, embedded cooling, inflatable radiators).
Submission Details
- Response Due: March 27, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
- Format: Submissions should be succinct, with a maximum of four pages for the technical description plus a one-page cover sheet. Use 12-point font, single-spaced, 8.5x11 inch paper with 1-inch margins, in MS Word or Adobe PDF.
- Submission Method: Email responses to DARPA-SN-26-52@darpa.mil. For files exceeding 10 MB, request a link for larger submissions.
Eligibility & Disclaimers
Participation is invited from all engaged sources, including universities, UARCs, FFRDCs, private/public companies, and government research laboratories. This RFI does not obligate DARPA to any future actions, and no reimbursement will be provided for response costs. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.