Apex TACFI
AFWERX · AFWERX TACFI · AFWERX
Award
Description
Apex looks to develop an enhanced configuration package of the Aries bus which addresses SSC/SZI and AFRL/RV needs for a 6DOF-maneuverable satellite bus with modular payload interfaces. As part of this program, Apex will: Collaborate and evaluate with the USSF on requirements needed for standardizing bus-to-payload interfaces; Build Prototype and Qualification Hardware for the enhanced Aries configuration (with 6DOF and modular USSF interfaces) to verify functionality and manufacturability; Complete a full Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and environmental test qualification campaign to ensure designs function, meet environmental specifications, and are ready to be manufactured. As a developer of configurable standard spacecraft buses, Apex’s Aries bus is designed to support a finite number of configuration packages that allow customers to select a bus variant suitable for their mission need. For example, the Aries Base Configuration may a commercial imaging customer, while the Aries High Power Configuration may suit a commercial communications customer.For the 2024 TACFI cycle, Apex proposes to augment its current SBIR effort with SSC/SZI and AFRL to develop an enhanced configuration package that includes a 6 Degree of Freedom (6DOF) Propulsion System and a Standardized Payload Interface which accounts for payloads the USSF is developing. This new Aries configuration will be integrated with the existing commercial bus and is designed to adapt Aries to specifically address SSC/SZI and AFRL/RV mission needs. Once completed, this new configuration will provide these organizations, plus the larger Space Force, a capable and flexible platform for multi-mission applications requiring 6DOF maneuverability. With and expected TACFI ATP of March 2024, this project aligns well with Apex’s current Phase II SBIR milestones and allows Apex to sequentially approach product development ensuring resources are applied appropriately. The engineering effort to complete the TACFI spans the following: Engineering Design: 6DOF propulsion trade Payload accommodation study in which the Apex team will work with the USSF team to determine suitable potential payloads and create an aggregated specification of common interfaces to inform the design of the Standard Payload Module. Aries design updates to integrate the 6DOF propulsion system and Standard Payload Module. Design review documentation Test plan generation Build and Test: Manufacture and procurement of prototype hardware for test. End-to-end hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) tests to verify designs and functional performance. Environmental qualification testing and preparation for flight.