Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS) is seeking spacecraft bus providers to support a NASA Astrophysics Small Satellite Explorers (SMEX) Program proposal. The Department of Energy-affiliated organization is requesting rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates and technical write-ups for a spacecraft bus that will accommodate a technology readiness level (TRL) 6 telescope and deliver an integrated observatory to a launch services provider. The primary evaluation criteria will focus on boresight stability, with vendors required to demonstrate compatibility with ESPA Grande-class bus specifications and ISO-7 cleanroom integration capabilities. Interested contractors must submit their responses via email to garcia288@llnl.gov by April 18, 2025. The RFI is intended for planning purposes only, with no guarantee that a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued in the future.

The procurement does not have a specific set-aside designation and is seeking multiple spacecraft options. The project requires two to three spacecraft launching simultaneously, with a mission duration of at least 24 months following a two-month initialization period. Vendors must provide pricing estimates for one, two, and three spacecraft, including non-recurring and recurring engineering costs for a 48-month program. The technical specifications call for a spacecraft bus with a maximum dry mass of 175 kg, capability to support a payload up to 50 kg, and operate in a 700km sun-synchronous orbit. The procurement timeline anticipates a potential competitive solicitation in early 2026, with full production potentially beginning in 2027 if LLNS's NASA proposal is selected. The project involves co-engineering a spacecraft to integrate a 45cm clear aperture telescope into a comprehensive observatory system.