Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LDPE) Follow-On

The Innovation & Prototyping Directorate (SMC/DCI) is soliciting information about potential sources to produce the follow-on to the Long Duration Propulsive Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (LDPE). EELV is now known as National Security Space Launch (NSSL). This RFI serves as an addendum to Solicitation Number LDPE_RFI posted December 12, 2018, specifically LDPE 4 and beyond. SMC/DCI seeks additional information on desired capabilities, acquisition structure, cost and feasibility.

CAPABILITY REQUIREMENT:

To advance Air Force Space Command rideshare objectives, SMC/DCI seeks a flexible and modular LDPE platform that will support space prototype rideshare missions for both separable and non-separable space demonstrations in a GEO orbit. This capability will be launched on an NSSL rideshare mission as part of an Integrated Payload Stack (IPS) that is expected to include other spacecraft or payload adapters. As part of the launch manifest, the integrated LDPE must meet all launch safety requirements including coupled loads analysis, thermal analysis, and testing to actual or forecast launch environments. The Government’s LDPE concept is a six-port standard ESPA ring, or equivalent, as the primary structure. Payloads will be mounted to the available ESPA ports. Functional testing of the integrated LDPE in a simulated space environment is also expected. Support for workarounds, such as testing with payload mass simulators, is expected in order to accommodate payloads that will not arrive until processing at the launch site. The LDPE structure is intended for attachment and separation from the launch vehicle Payload Attachment Fitting (PAF) or another payload adapter of the same size, however, designs need not be limited to an ESPA structure. Once separated from the launch vehicle, the LDPE must support separable payloads until inserted into their intended orbits and continue to support non-separable payloads for mission duration. Reference Solicitation Number LDPE_RFI for additional information.

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