Software Defined Antenna for Interceptor-to-Interceptor Communications

Status changed from Open to Closed after topic disappearance

**Q&A Changes Summary:** The previous Q5 and Q6 were consolidated and reorganized. The updated Q&A resequences questions by topic: - **New Q5**: Consolidates band-rejection and 250 km link-budget questions (previously split across Q5 and Q6), adding clarity that performers must define system boundaries and prove physics without MDA-specified EIRP/data-rate constraints. - **Q6 (formerly Q5)**: Maintains GNSS-denied, direction-finding, radiation-hardening, and Phase I deliverables guidance unchanged. - **Q7 (formerly Q6)**: Link-budget and SNR closure clarification moved up. - **Q8 (formerly Q7)**: RF-only scope confirmation moved to final position. **Key substantive change**: New Q5 explicitly states MDA will *not* dictate EIRP, data rate, or bandwidth—performers must self-define and justify these parameters in their CONOPS.

**Q&A Changes Summary:** Added 4 new Q&As providing critical technical clarifications: - **Q1 (Coverage Metrics):** MDA will evaluate your methodology for defining CONOPS-derived performance metrics rather than score against pre-defined thresholds, encouraging vendor innovation. - **Q2 (Band Coverage):** Clarified S-band omni Tx/Rx; Ku-Ka steerable Rx only. Single aperture need not cover full span continuously—banded apertures with software-controlled selection are acceptable. - **Q3 (Antenna Topology):** Loop or ring geometry is a **requirement**, not optional. Conformal apertures on the 10-inch body will not be evaluated equally. - **Q4 (Operational Details):** S-band omni, Ku+ steerable (Rx only); full solution required; on-board radio handles freq-hopping; continuous S-band Tx/Rx and K-band Rx; harsh LEO environment; low-cost program focus. Previously answered questions (Q5–Q7) were re-added without substantive changes.

Added 4 new Q&As clarifying technical requirements: (1) GNSS-denied operations and alternative PNT methods required; (2) direction-finding and null-steering algorithms mandatory; (3) Phase I deliverable is end-to-end system design with M&S validation; (4) radiation hardening needed for transient SEEs, not persistent orbit TID; (5) antenna must reject unwanted bands/interference; (6) 250 km link budget analysis required with SNR closure demonstration.

Status changed from Pre-Release to Open

**Applicants must focus exclusively on RF communication solutions; hybrid RF/optical approaches are not acceptable and will be rejected regardless of their technical merit.**

New opportunity: Software Defined Antenna for Interceptor-to-Interceptor Communications