Fuel-Flexible Spacecraft Electric Propulsion System

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for the development of a Fuel-Flexible Spacecraft Electric Propulsion System under solicitation DPA26TZ06-DV005. This STTR effort aims to create an integrated propulsion system that moves beyond traditional noble gas fuels to utilize in-situ resources, including air, water, water-carbon dioxide mixtures, or nitrogen-hydrogen mixtures. The objective is to bridge the gap between laboratory demonstrations and fieldable technology for use in very Low Earth Orbit (vLEO) and higher orbits. The final system must achieve over 30 percent electrical efficiency and include a thruster, power processing unit, flow control system, and a standardized bus control interface, such as RS485. The hardware must also undergo envelope qualification for thermal cycling, shock, and vibration. This total small business set-aside opportunity offers a base award of 1,000,000 dollars for a 12-month period of performance, with an additional 1,000,000 dollar option for another 12 months. Proposals are due by October 21, 2026, and will be evaluated on their own individual merit based on technical merit, qualifications of key personnel, and commercial potential. Eligible small businesses must be registered in the System for Award Management and the SBA Company Registry. Additionally, firms handling controlled unclassified information or ITAR-regulated work must possess a CMMC Level 2 self-assessment certification. Submissions must be provided via the DSIP portal across seven specific volumes, including technical, cost, and commercialization reports.