⚔️ Department of War — Active Solicitations & AstroForge Relevance

Comprehensive analysis of DoD solicitations, innovation programs, and strategic opportunities for AstroForge's dual-use space capabilities. Updated Feb 17, 2026.

📋 Top SAM.gov Opportunities (Space/Sensors/Propulsion/Materials)

Relevance & Title ↕ Agency ↕ Type ↕ Urgency / Deadline ↕ Link

🛡️ AstroForge — Defense Capability Profile

Dual-Use Capabilities

Spacecraft BusIn-house designed ~100kg class. Commercial bus for national security missions. Rapid integration.
Sensors / SpectroscopyAsteroid characterization sensors → dual-use ISR. Metallic composition detection → missile plume / material identification.
Autonomous NavigationDeep-space autonomous nav & RPO → autonomy for contested/GPS-denied environments. Asteroid rendezvous harder than orbital debris servicing.
PropulsionDeep-space capable propulsion system (ground tested Oct 2023). Heliocentric orbit experience.
In-Space ManufacturingVaporization-based PGM extraction → orbital logistics, in-space material processing, space-based construction.
Communications⚠️ Known weakness (both missions lost to comms). Deep-space comms R&D would benefit from Space-BACN/DSN programs.

Defense Value Proposition

  • Strategic Mineral Independence from China — PGMs critical for defense electronics, catalysts, munitions. China/Russia control ~70% supply. Asteroid-derived PGMs = national security supply chain.
  • Space Domain Awareness — Spacecraft flying deep-space trajectories provide unique SDA vantage points. Asteroid prospecting ≈ deep-space surveillance infrastructure.
  • Orbital Manufacturing for DoD — In-space material processing enables large-scale orbital construction without launch mass constraints. Directly supports NOM4D vision.
  • Commercial Bus for NatSec Missions — Proven (in-development) small spacecraft bus adaptable for DoD payloads. Rapid build, commercial speed.
Key Need: Flight heritage + DoD credibility. 0/2 mission success rate. Vestri (H1 2026) success is critical. DoD programs can fund capability development while building track record.

🔥 URGENT — Approaching Deadlines

⚠️ DIU Ghost Recon — PROJ00653 — Due March 3, 2026 (14 days!)

GEO reconnaissance spacecraft with RPO capability. AstroForge relevance: 9/10

DoW seeks commercial GEO recon space vehicles: high-resolution space-to-space imagery, RSO characterization, rendezvous & proximity operations. MVP within 24 months. Requires EO payloads, RPO capability, USB comms, NSA Type 1 encryption. Refuelability as enhanced capability.

🎯 AstroForge pitch: Spacecraft bus provider + sensor payload integrator. Asteroid RPO experience directly transferable. Refuelability aligns with in-space servicing capabilities.

🔗 Submit to DIU by March 3 → 14 DAYS LEFT $1M–$10M OT RPO GEO

DIU Counter-UAS Sensing — Due Feb 26

Radar/multi-modal C-UAS sensing. Low AstroForge fit (2/10) but deadline imminent.

$1M–$5MSensors

SDA Space-To-Air Optical Comms Terminal RFI — Due Feb 27

Optical communication terminals for aircraft. Related to AstroForge comms weakness.

🔗 View on SAM.gov →

NRL Commercial Nighttime EO Satellite Capabilities — Due Feb 22

Commercial satellite EO capabilities. AstroForge sensors potentially relevant.

🔗 View on SAM.gov →

RFI: GEO Refueling Vehicles — Due Mar 14

USSF Space Systems Command seeking GEO refueling concepts. In-space servicing relevance for AstroForge.

🔗 View on SAM.gov →

🎯 Top Curated DoD Innovation Programs

27 programs analyzed for AstroForge relevance. Sorted by score (10 = perfect fit).

DARPA NOM4D

10/10
DARPA • On-Orbit Manufacturing • Ongoing / check for open phases
Novel Orbital Moon Manufacturing, Materials and Mass-efficient Design. Large-scale manufacturing and assembly of structures in orbit — adaptive structures, in-space joining, autonomously assembled systems.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Asteroid-derived material processing demonstration. Core capability match — vaporization-based metal extraction IS in-space manufacturing. Propose refining demo on orbit.
$5M–$50M/phaseRollingManufacturingIn-Space
🔗 View Solicitation →

DIU Ghost Recon — PROJ00653

9/10
DIU • GEO Reconnaissance Spacecraft • Due March 3, 2026 ⚠️
Geosynchronous High-Resolution Optical Space-Based Tactical Reconnaissance. EO payloads, RPO capability, USB comms, NSA Type 1 encryption. Refuelability bonus.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Spacecraft bus provider OR sensor payload integrator. Asteroid RPO experience = space-to-space recon RPO. Deep space nav → contested environments.
DUE MAR 3!$1M–$10M OTRPOGEOEO/IR
🔗 Submit by March 3 →

SpaceWERX Orbital Prime

9/10
Space Force / SSC • On-Orbit Servicing & Debris • SBIR paused; STRATFI/TACFI may be active
Space debris removal and in-space servicing: RPO, debris capture, satellite servicing, active debris removal.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Autonomous nav & RPO from asteroid rendezvous (harder than debris servicing). Propose asteroid-derived materials for orbital construction + RPO demo.
$50K–$50M+STRATFI ActiveRPOServicing
🔗 View Solicitation →

DARPA TTO Open BAA

8/10
DARPA Tactical Technology Office • Rolling BAA • Always open
Standing BAA accepts white papers for revolutionary space, air, ground, maritime systems. Space proposals go through TTO.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Submit white papers on in-space resource utilization, autonomous deep-space spacecraft, novel manufacturing. Always-open pathway — submit anytime.
$500K–$5MAlways OpenWhite Paper
🔗 Search DARPA TTO BAA on SAM.gov →

AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate BAA

8/10
AFRL • Space Vehicle Technologies • Rolling / perpetually open
Open BAA for spacecraft components, space situational awareness, space control, space-based C2. Kirtland AFB, NM.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: White papers for novel spacecraft bus, asteroid-derived sensor tech, autonomous navigation, propulsion. Direct match across all capabilities.
$100K–$5MAlways OpenSpacecraftSensorsPropulsion
🔗 Search FA9453-24-S-0001 on SAM.gov →

AFRL Materials & Manufacturing BAA

8/10
AFRL • Advanced Materials & Manufacturing • Rolling
Open BAA for advanced materials, manufacturing processes, structural technologies. Includes in-space manufacturing and additive manufacturing.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: In-space manufacturing and materials processing from asteroid resources. Novel vaporization-based metal extraction processes.
$100K–$3MAlways OpenMaterialsManufacturing
🔗 Search FA8650-24-S-5001 on SAM.gov →

SpaceWERX STRATFI/TACFI

8/10
Space Force / SpaceWERX • Strategic Funding Increase • Rolling
Matches SBIR funding with private capital and DoD customer funding to scale technologies. Designed for companies with commercial traction.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: $53M+ private funding = ideal STRATFI candidate. Leverage existing capital for matching. Scale dual-use spacecraft and sensor technology.
$15M–$750MRollingCapital Matching
🔗 View Solicitation →

DIU Space Portfolio — General CSO

8/10
DIU • Overarching Commercial Solutions Opening • Rolling
DIU's CSO covers space focus areas. New space-related areas of interest posted as DoD needs emerge. Success Memo enables sole-source follow-on across all DoD.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: DIU specifically seeks commercial companies with proven products. Monitor for new space solicitations. Success Memo = massive follow-on potential.
$1M–$15M OTRollingCommercial
🔗 View Solicitation →

DoD SBIR/STTR Program

8/10
All DoD Components • Small Business Innovation Research • ⏸️ PAUSED — Authorization expired Oct 2025
Small business innovation research across all DoD. Space, sensors, materials, autonomy topics. Currently paused pending Congressional reauthorization.
🎯 AstroForge action: MONITOR for reauthorization. When it resumes, multiple space/sensor/autonomy/materials topics will open. AstroForge qualifies as small business. Be ready to submit fast.
PAUSEDPhase I: $50K–$250KPhase II: $500K–$1.75M
🔗 Monitor for Reauthorization →

DARPA Space-BACN

6/10
DARPA • Optical Inter-Satellite Links • Multiple phases; check SAM.gov
Low-cost, reconfigurable optical communications terminals for LEO satellites. Cross-constellation data relay.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Comms is AstroForge's #1 failure mode. Getting on Space-BACN solves their deep-space comms problem AND builds DoD credibility. Integration partner for optical terminals on asteroid-class spacecraft.
$10M–$30M/performerOptical CommsLEO
🔗 View Solicitation →

DARPA DSO Open BAA

7/10
DARPA Defense Sciences Office • Fundamental Breakthroughs • Rolling
Standing BAA for novel materials, advanced manufacturing, sensing breakthroughs.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Materials science from asteroid processing, novel sensor concepts, manufacturing breakthroughs in microgravity environments.
$500K–$5MAlways OpenMaterialsSensors
🔗 Search DARPA DSO BAA on SAM.gov →

DARPA DRACO

7/10
DARPA • Nuclear Thermal Propulsion • Phase 2 underway (Lockheed prime)
Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations. Nuclear thermal propulsion demo for rapid cislunar maneuver. In-space demo targeted 2027.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Subcontractor role — propulsion and deep-space nav expertise. NTP enables asteroid-belt class missions. Position for integration/testing even if prime is selected.
$499M total programSubcontractingNTPCislunar
🔗 View Solicitation →

MDA Tracking Layer (HBTSS)

6/10
Missile Defense Agency • Tracking Satellites • Follow-on tranches expected
Proliferated LEO constellation for tracking hypersonic and ballistic missile threats. Overhead persistent infrared sensors.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Spacecraft bus + sensor integration as sub-tier supplier. Spectroscopy sensors could detect missile plumes. Dual-use sensor miniaturization from asteroid characterization.
$100M+/trancheSubcontractingOPIRLEO
🔗 View MDA Programs →

Golden Dome — Space-Based Missile Defense

7/10
DoW • Next-Gen Missile Defense Architecture • Early planning; RFIs expected 2026
$25B+ next-generation space-based missile defense. May include space-based interceptors, advanced sensors, autonomous C2. Announced by President Trump early 2025.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Massive program needs spacecraft buses, sensors, autonomous systems, in-space manufacturing. AstroForge sensors for space-based missile plume detection. Position early for subcontracting.
Multi-$BEmergingSpace-Based SensingInterceptors
🔗 Monitor SAM.gov for RFIs →

Space Domain Awareness — Commercial Integration

7/10
Space Force / SSC • Commercial SDA Services • Ongoing
Commercial space domain awareness data and services procurement. Object tracking, characterization, and space weather.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Provide SDA data as a service while prospecting asteroids. Unique deep-space vantage points for object characterization. Dual-revenue from single mission.
$1M–$20MOngoingSDACommercial Data
🔗 View SSC Programs →

Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS)

7/10
Space Force / SSC • Rapid Deployment • Periodic solicitations
Rapidly deployable space capabilities: rapid launch, rapid spacecraft integration, responsive reconstitution.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Spacecraft manufacturing and rapid integration capabilities. In-house bus design enables fast deployment.
$5M–$50MRapidSpacecraft
🔗 View SSC Programs →

AFRL Sensors Directorate BAA

7/10
AFRL • Sensor Technologies • Rolling
Open BAA for EO/IR, RF, multi-spectral, and autonomous sensor processing technologies.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Asteroid characterization sensors translate to defense sensing. Autonomous sensor processing for deep-space targets.
$100K–$5MAlways OpenEO/IRMulti-Spectral
🔗 Search FA8650-24-S-1001 on SAM.gov →

In-Q-Tel (IQT)

7/10
CIA Strategic Investment • Space, Sensing, Autonomy • Rolling
CIA's strategic investment arm. Portfolio areas include space, sensing, autonomy, advanced materials. $500K–$5M strategic investments.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Unique vantage points for IC applications. Deep-space sensors for intelligence. Asteroid-derived materials for classified applications.
$500K–$5MRollingStrategic InvestmentIC
🔗 View IQT →

DARPA GAMBIT

6/10
DARPA • Space Domain Awareness / Space Control • Check SAM.gov
Novel approaches to space domain awareness and space control technologies.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Autonomous nav and spacecraft maneuvering for SDA missions.
TBDSDASpace Control
🔗 View Solicitation →

ONR Long Range BAA

6/10
Navy / ONR • Naval S&T • Rolling
Open BAA covering space systems, autonomous systems, sensors, advanced materials.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: NRL has space science division. Sensor and autonomous nav white papers applicable.
$100K–$5MRollingSpaceAutonomy
🔗 Search ONR BAA on SAM.gov →

Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO)

6/10
OSD • Strategic Repurposing • By invitation / referral
Repurposes commercial and military systems for new strategic applications. Requires DoD champion introduction.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Dual-use asteroid mining tech for space logistics or in-space manufacturing. Need a DoD champion.
$10M–$100M+Invitation Only

DARPA Blackjack

5/10
DARPA → Space Force • Proliferated LEO • Transitioning to operational
Proliferated LEO constellation for military payloads using commercial small-sat buses.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Small spacecraft bus for follow-on SSC contracts. Program transitioning — watch for operational contracts.
VariesLEOConstellation
🔗 View Solicitation →

Naval Research Laboratory — Space Science

5/10
Navy / NRL • Space Science Research • Various
Solar physics, space weather, space technology. Partnerships for spacecraft and sensor development.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Collaborate on sensor payloads. NRL has built spacecraft.
$200K–$5MResearchSensors
🔗 View NRL →

National Security Innovation Network (NSIN)

5/10
DoD Innovation Network • Accelerators & Networking • Rolling
Connects startups, universities, and DoD. Hacking for Defense, accelerators, venture engagement.
🎯 AstroForge pitch: Networking vehicle to connect with DoD problem sets and customers.
NetworkingAccelerator
🔗 View NSIN →

Army Futures Command — Space & High Altitude

4/10
Army • Tactical Space • Various
Army modernization: space-based fires, ISR, positioning. Tactical space and commercial integration.
🎯 Low fit — primarily tactical comms/ISR. Some sensor overlap possible.
$1M–$10MTactical
🔗 View Army Futures →

SOFWERX — Special Operations Innovation

3/10
SOCOM • Tech Sprints & Challenges • Rolling
Innovation hub for SOCOM. Periodic technology sprints in autonomy, ISR, emerging tech.
🎯 Low relevance. Occasional ISR or autonomous systems challenges could apply.
$50K–$2MChallenges
🔗 View SOFWERX →

📊 SAM.gov DoD Opportunity Statistics

2,375
Total Active DoD Opportunities
492
Space/Sensor/Propulsion Related
27
Curated Programs Analyzed
12
Rolling / Always Open

Opportunities by Type

Opportunities by DoD Component

🧭 Strategic Recommendations — AstroForge DoD Playbook

🔴 Immediate (14 days)

  • Submit to DIU Ghost Recon by March 3 — GEO recon spacecraft with RPO. 9/10 relevance. Propose as spacecraft bus provider + sensor integrator.
  • Respond to GEO Refueling Vehicles RFI by March 14
  • Review SDA optical comms terminal RFI (Feb 27)

🟠 30 Days

  • Submit white papers to AFRL Space Vehicles BAA — spacecraft, propulsion, autonomous nav
  • Engage DARPA NOM4D program manager — in-space manufacturing alignment
  • Apply to SpaceWERX Orbital Prime STRATFI — leverage $53M+ private capital
  • Submit to DARPA TTO/DSO open BAAs

🟡 90 Days

  • Build Space Force relationship — Maj Gen Purdy expressed interest in asteroid mining
  • Position for Golden Dome — attend industry days, respond to RFIs
  • Submit to SBIR/STTR when reauthorized — multiple topics ready
  • Engage AFRL Materials & Manufacturing BAA
  • Contact In-Q-Tel for strategic investment

🟣 6–12 Months

  • Full DoD qualification — CMMC, facility clearance, ITAR compliance
  • Develop dual-use sensor platform — asteroid characterization + missile detection
  • Build strategic minerals supply chain pitch for USD(A&S) and Space Force
  • Vestri mission success → dramatically improves all DoD proposals

🤝 Key Partnerships to Pursue

Defense Primes

  • L3Harris — Space sensor integration, Golden Dome
  • Northrop Grumman — Spacecraft bus, MEV heritage
  • Lockheed Martin — DRACO prime, Space Force programs
  • RTX / Raytheon — Missile defense sensors

FFRDCs & DoD Ecosystem

  • Aerospace Corp — Space Force FFRDC, technical assessments
  • MITRE — DoD FFRDC, systems engineering
  • DIU Portfolio Companies — Peer network, teaming
  • NSIN — Accelerators, DoD introductions

⛏️ The Strategic Minerals Angle

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are critical for defense. Catalytic converters, electronics, munitions, aerospace alloys — all require PGMs. China and Russia control ~70% of global supply. A single disruption (sanctions, conflict, embargo) cripples defense supply chains.

Asteroid-derived PGMs = national security win. AstroForge's value proposition to DoD isn't just spacecraft — it's strategic mineral independence from adversaries. This pitch resonates with USD(A&S), Space Force leadership, and Congressional defense committees.

Pitch to: USD(Acquisition & Sustainment) • Space Force Chief of Staff • HASC Strategic Forces Subcommittee • Senate Armed Services Committee