SAM #RFI-RJZX-2026-RAPID

USSF RFI: Commercial UHF-Capable MEO Satellite Bandwidth for Experimental Campaign

The United States Space Force is seeking industry input on acquiring bandwidth from commercially owned, UHF-capable Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites for a near-term experimental campaign. - Government Buyer: - United States Space Force (USSF) - Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL RVK) at Kirtland AFB - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the solicitation or attachments - Products/Services Requested: - Access to bandwidth on a commercially owned, commercially operated UHF-capable on-orbit MEO satellite - Service must support experimental characterization of spectrum, waveform, and user equipment operation - Demonstration of interoperability with the existing GEO MUOS UHF system - Minimum 36-month government access period (threshold), with preference for access for the useful life of the satellite - Operation in specific UHF frequency bands and support for multiple beams and MUOS WCDMA waveform - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Indefeasible right of access for at least 36 months - Initial launch capability by 2030 or earlier is preferred - Respondents must address security, cybersecurity, and supply chain compliance - Innovative solutions that enable earlier on-orbit capability are strongly desired - The prototype may not be fully representative of a final architecture, but should enable immediate or near-term service

Description

This Request for Information (RFI) is focused on obtaining access to bandwidth carried by a commercially owned, commercially operated UHF-capable on-orbit MEO satellite for use in a near-term experimental campaign to:

Characterize spectrum, waveform, and user equipment operation with a MEO UHF system Demonstrate interoperability between a potential future MEO UHF system and the existing GEO constellation Inform a time-sequenced pathway to augment or replace the GEO UHF system with a MEO capability

The offeror should consider technology solutions that prioritize existing space vehicle, payload and communications link capabilities to provide on-orbit service immediately or as soon as possible.  An Initial Launch Capability (ILC) by 2030 is potentially useful, but innovative approaches leading to earlier on-orbit capability are strongly desired.  The Government recognizes that this initial prototype may not be fully representative of a final, future architecture, but rather represents an initial step to explore providing UHF services from MEO.

Refer to the attachment entitled "pMEO Demo Request for Information_FINAL 10 Jul 26".

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