Rogue Space Systems Corporation has been selected by AFWERX for a Direct-to-Phase II contract — this opportunity focuses on leveraging sensor fusion technology, ensuring safe close-proximity operations in space and addressing paramount challenges within the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
Rogue has been on the frontline in developing satellite servicing solutions. Their flagship fleet of Orbital Robots (Orbots
) is designed to offer diverse services, from inspection to transportation, to satellites and space assets in LEO, MEO and GEO. This orbital fleet benefits from an AI-enabled sensory observation platform.
Driven by the imperative need for sustainable solutions in the sphere of In-Space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), Rogue is advancing a sensor system that melds active light detection and ranging (LiDAR), superior resolution cameras as well as a proprietary 3D shape reconstruction algorithm. This cutting-edge approach aims to support the United States Space Force in securely accessing essential details about resident space objects. Initially, this technology will be integrated into Rogue’s Orbot platform.
This Phase II contract is the third Rogue Space Systems has been awarded in recent weeks, bringing their USAF and USSF award total to $7.5 million during the past 18 months. Rogue also recently announced the scheduled launch of their inaugural spacecraft Barry-1 on SpaceX Transporter-9 NET November 2023.
“The development of the 3D Resident Object in Space Inspection (3DROSI) technology, under the AFWERX Phase II contract, harmoniously fuses advanced sensors, hardware, and algorithms. It’s pivotal for the sensing and perception required for the autonomous operations of Rogue Orbots, benefiting both the Space Force and commercial satellite tasks such as in-space assembly, docking, transport, and repairs.” — Alexander Kuyper, Principal Investigator
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now, with these July 2023 Phase II awards, Rogue Space Systems continues to create and provide capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.