The purpose of this DPA Title III study is to develop an approach to ensure the availability of space qualified Next Generation Reaction Wheels (NGRW).
Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA) technology is a widely used and commonly applied approach to provide spacecraft attitude control torque and
angular momentum management functions.
The Government considers NGRWs with low to mid-level momentum storage capacity important, as the trend toward smaller disaggregated satellite systems with 5 to 7 year mission lives will require reaction wheels of this class.
This project addresses a need for a NGRW project to provide a systematic comprehensive, low cost/risk investment that maximizes industry partner business case potential while minimizing recurring United States Government user community cost.
The Phase 0 study will be a nine month effort plus three months for the final report.
During this Phase 0 study the recipient will study and assess the business, market, and technology associated with establishing or reviving domestic competition, or expanding an existing vendor’s product line, with a focus on smaller wheels using advanced technologies.
The envisioned wheel must demonstrate high reliability for a 5 year mission life.
Innovative wheel designs that can accommodate the potential for longer mission life is desirable.
It is expected that offerors will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of their key wheel design trades associated with design complexity, mission life, reliability, and recurring per-unit wheel cost.