Space Systems Command, in partnership with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), announced that it has selected Orion Space Solutions of Louisville, CO for the Tetra-5 Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), July 22. Tetra-5 program will demonstrate multi-agent autonomous Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD), and on-orbit servicing. The Tetra-5 award, if all options are exercised, is valued at $44.5 million. The Tetra Program Office provides operationally relevant test assets, develops and advances Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTPs), matures and transitions technologies, and demonstrates Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
Through the use of the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), “The Tetra Program Office was able to obtain innovative solutions to Tetra-5’s challenging requirements and mission,” said Col. Joseph Roth, Innovation and Prototyping senior materiel leader. “AFRL’s partnership with the Tetra Program Office enables us to test out new technology so the USSF can accelerate mission operations.”
The Tetra-5 program is a constellation of up to three prototype spacecraft to demonstrate key inspection and docking capabilities of on-orbit refueling and next-generation autonomous collaboration techniques to provide comprehensive local area awareness. The Tetra-5 vehicles have at least a two-year mission life at Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) +300km. Additionally, the need to deploy space capabilities demands the ability to ‘maneuver without regret’ through on-orbit refueling.
“Along with our AFRL teammates, Tetra-5 is checking the concept of operations in regards to automated collaboration to enable maneuver without regret,” said Lt. Col. Dave Sampayan, Innovation Development Branch materiel leader. “Tetra-5 is maturing and developing Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures to evolve space operations such as the first USSF demonstration of on-orbit fluid transfer refueling.”
As space architectures explore larger numbers of smaller satellites, the role of autonomous operations becomes more pronounced. Increasing satellite autonomy reduces operator burden and accelerates mission operations, enabling satellites to coordinate with one another without a Guardian in the loop. Cooperative, autonomous, maneuverable, and refuelable small satellites will enable new space capabilities in support of the joint warfighter.
Source: SSC
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