Attracting Defense Business

Defense, Government and NGO sectors require both remote sensing intelligence to detect and classify objects and also connectivity for secure, mission-critical communications. With advancements in small satellite technology, what kinds of improvements could smallsats bring to existing solutions? What kinds of innovative new solutions might materialize? How do smallsat operators work with government partners?

How can smallsats change government missions (disaggregation, resiliency)? SmallSats can provide an enhancement layer for the capabilities of larger national security spacecraft, and as the existing systems become more vulnerable, technologically aging, and expensive to maintain, the appeal of smallsats will increase considerably. The new DARPA Blackjack program for private companies to pitch to develop a satellite constellation leveraging commercial capabilities to meet military needs is perhaps one of the largest opportunities for all sectors in the smallsat market. What are the best opportunities for small businesses/ smallsat startups to help the government mission? What is the role of legacy integrators in serving the same space?

Working with DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, DISA and others to deliver defence systems and services in a shortened procurement process is an immediate necessity. Given the space boom of new technologies, how do companies structure a successful program from concept to funding to access to space.  What technologies are already available that may need modifications for specific military purposes. With a requirement for secure connectivity during mission-critical communications, providing more choice and flexibility through integrated solutions is in demand. Advanced military architecture could focus on scalability and flexibility. Importantly, modularity and interoperability in components and buses by sharing common standards instead of procuring yet another satellite could lead to significant savings. This workshop provides a step by step overview of how to process toward integration of commercial space systems so as to deal successfully with the small satellite demands of the defense forces.

 

 

Date: February 3, 2020 Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Don Richardson
President

MIL-SAT Global Communications
Michael Downey
Senior Director, Engineering Research iDirect Government

iDirect Government
Erringer Helbling
Technology Advisor, Space Portfolio

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Rachel Kolesnikov-Lindsey
Director of Organizational Development

Defense Innovation Unit - DIU