Model forecast data to improve satellite operation

DURHAM, NH, December 21, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The University of New Hampshire Space Tech Hub, part of the Space Science Center, today announced plans to partner with Laconia, N.H.- based Rogue Space Systems to build a 3D learning model that will provide information on high-energy electrons in space, helping plan and protect satellites and spacecraft operating in that area. Rogue Space Systems Corporation received this recent Phase I SBIR award for $180K through SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX.

High flux levels of electrons in the Earth's radiation belts can interfere with or permanently damage assets and the services they provide. Forecasts of the changes in the intensity and location of the outer radiation belt—one of two donut-shaped zones of charged particles surrounding Earth—during geomagnetic storms can provide operators with valuable time to prepare assets within these regions. Such measures can dramatically improve the assets' chances of survival. World-class researchers in the field of radiation modeling at UNH are working with Rogue Space Systems to develop and refine a radiation belt electron flux predictive model, and to develop a feasibility study on monetizing the hazard prediction model forecast data to a commercial market. For the US Space Force, the ability to warn space operators and prepare US and Allied government assets will be an indispensable part of space resiliency.

"We are thrilled about this first partnership between the UNH Space Tech Hub and Rogue Space Systems to develop a radiation model that is relevant both commercially and scientifically," said Réka Winslow, Director of UNH Space Tech Hub. "This project demonstrates how the UNH Space Tech Hub can translate scientific space weather expertise into practical tools to improve satellite operation."

Launched earlier this year, the UNH Space Tech Hub provides cutting-edge space expertise and equipment to fulfill critical needs in the rapidly growing commercial space sector.

"Developing a robust, high-fidelity flux predictive model enables proactive adjustments in satellite and space platform operations that will minimize damage, reduce catastrophic failures, and extend operational mission lifespans," said Jon Beam, Rogue co-founder and CEO. "This capability will lower insurance costs, provide critical early warnings for geomagnetic storms that could jeopardize both commercial and defense satellites, and ensures space-service continuity. By advancing space weather resilience, the U.S. solidifies its leadership in space research and operational security.

UNH's highly skilled engineers, technicians and scientists bring extensive flight heritage experience in all aspects of space mission design, testing and operation, as well as niche expertise not readily available in the commercial space sector. The Space Tech Hub also has a shorter wait time for businesses to access its facilities and skillsets than many of its competitors across the nation.

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This award is another success story for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the SBIR/STTR process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal-to-award timelines. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded. Rogue's progress is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

About the University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. Nearly 16,000 students from 50 states and 87 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. A Carnegie Classification R1 institution, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF, and NIH, and received over $250 million in competitive external funding in FY24 to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.

About Rogue Space Systems Corporation
Rogue Space Systems Corporation specializes in enabling the industrialization of space by offering supportive in-space logistics services. This is achieved by providing economic destinations and last-mile logistics. Our Waypoint™ stations serve as multi-tenant platforms that host manufacturing, science experiments, communications, computing, and materiel logistics capabilities. Our Orbots™ serve as a robotic workforce, enabling the flow of raw materials and finished goods that enable a dynamic economy in space. Our Orblock™ payload containers allow for efficient transfer of both complex payloads and materiel. In partnership with launch and downmass companies, we make a circular economy and dynamic operations in space possible.

About SpaceWERX
As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in Aug. 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit spacewerx.us.

About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 325 military, civilian and contractor personnel at six hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 4,697 new contracts worth more than $2.6 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.

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