Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) Virtual Information Session

SPECIAL NOTICE DARPA-SN-21-43Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) Virtual Information SessionEVENT DATE: 22 September 2021REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 20 September 2021, 12:00pm ETREGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cvent.me/ZblKbmTECHNICAL POC: Dr. Greg Kuperman, STO Program ManagerE-MAIL: DARPA‐SN‐21-43@darpa.milVirtual Information Session:DARPA will host a Virtual Information Session in support of DARPA-PS-21-01, the Space-BACN program on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 via Zoom.gov from 1:00pm to 4:00pm EDT. The purpose of this session is to promote additional discussion on this topic; address questions from potential proposers; and provide additional instructions on how potential proposers can present their capabilities for teaming opportunities.PROGRAM OBJECTIVE AND DESCRIPTION: The goal of the Space-BACN program is to create a

reconfigurable, multi-protocol intersatellite optical communications terminal that is low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C); easy to integrate; and will have the ability to connect heterogeneous constellations that operate on different optical intersatellite link (OISL) specifications that otherwise would not be able to communicate. The terminal will operate on platforms in low Earth orbit (LEO). In simpler terms, the goal of this program is to eliminate stovepipes and “connect space,” which will in turn enable the joint all-domain fight.Space-BACN aims to overcome the lack of full on-orbit interoperability with current and future space communications. Since proliferated space is so new, there is no standardization of communications or OISLs in this domain. New constellations that are in different stages of acquisition are procuring single-waveform cross-link communication systems that meet their mission’s or business objective’s particular needs to interconnect their own constellation. These single-waveform systems are only capable of talking to other systems that support that particular waveform, almost exclusively consist of custom-made components, and have little to no reconfigurability. While most waveforms operate within the same wavelength band, they differ in essentially all implementation details, including specific wavelengths, polarization, clock rate, spatial acquisition sequence, modulation format, framing, and error correction coding. With each constellation acquiring its own single-waveform OISL, the space domain has become severely fragmented with isolated islands of connectivity.The Space-BACN program seeks to create a reconfigurable space-to-space optical communications terminal that is low SWaP-C, modular, easy to integrate, and will have the ability to connect heterogeneous constellations that operate on different OISL specifications and that otherwise would not be able to communicate with one another. The core of Space-BACN is a reconfigurable, multi-protocol low SWaP-C optical communications terminal that can support most current and future single wavelength waveforms in space up to 100 Gbps, uses less than 100 W of power, costs less than $100k (in production), and can be easily integrated into most satellites.REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Participants must register NLT September 20, 2021, 12:00pm ET at the following website: https://cvent.me/ZblKbm. A zoom link and passcode will be provided to each registered participant 24 hours prior to the session.All registrants for the meeting who are not U.S. Citizens must complete and submit the following: All U.S. Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals must submit a DARPA Form 60. All forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 PM on September 20, 2021. Form 60 submission instructions are provided on the registration website and in the registration confirmation email. Failure to complete and submit the form will result in the cancellation of your registration.DARPA hosts Proposers Days to promote teaming arrangements between researchers; provide potential performers with information on whether and how they might respond to the government’s research and development solicitations; and to increase efficiency in proposal preparation and evaluation. Therefore, Proposer Days and this Virtual Information Session are open only to registered potential proposers. The event is closed to the general public and media. Media inquiries should be directed to outreach@darpa.mil.All other information pertaining to DARPA-PS-21-01, Space-BACN program can be found at the following website: https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/space-based-adaptive-communications-node