Catalyst Accelerator open for Space Domain Awareness applications

The Catalyst Accelerator, sponsored by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Space Force and ONE Dev LLC, is accepting applications from Australian and other international SMEs to take part in its tenth cohort. This is the first internationally focussed cohort and its focus is Space Domain Awareness.

Applications close 6 July. There will be an information session for potential applicants on 15 June.

Located in Colorado Springs, USA, alongside space-based DoD units and industry, The Catalyst Accelerator shortens the customer discovery process for new technologies from an average of two years in a typical government-style market to less than three months. Participating companies are assigned an Air/Space Force liaison to help companies navigate the US DoD and what it terms a ‘Commercial Sherpa’ to help companies make key connections.

The Catalyst Accelerator is free to attend and offers a semi-residential, 3-month program for small businesses with innovative, dual-use technology. It provides office space, investment, liaison with the USAF and US Space Force, support from subject matter experts, a collaborative eco-systems and the resources necessary to nurture the next level of innovation.

The question that applicants need to address is this: How might the United States Space Force, its friends, and allies introduce commercial capabilities to its mission environment for International Space Domain Awareness and Spaceflight Safety?

The Problem Statement as set out by the accelerator is more nuanced and subtle, however: “Space Domain Awareness (SDA) includes the ability to understand, monitor, and study satellites within space. This is done through detection, tracking, identification, and characterization to support activities and the resilience of space systems in support of the defense mission.

“With private sectors around the world accelerating new capabilities for Space Domain Awareness, the US and its partners are interested in increasing the ability to support the SDA environment with commercial data and tools for shared security and prosperity. Submitted solutions may augment, supplement, backup, complement, and improve current SDA mission sensors, systems, and analysis and may include data, software tools, mission system elements, as well as services provided directly to US and international space operations.

Both US and international solutions, with commercial market viability, are desired across a wide array of relevant technologies. Mature solutions may have demonstration opportunities in training exercises with operational users.

Visit the event website to learn more and to register.