DAF26BX05-DV509ActiveSBIR

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

Department of DefenseUSAF

AI Overview

This RFP seeks radiation-hardened high-voltage power switches (200V–800V) capable of operating in contested space environments. The technology must enable advanced spacecraft capabilities—electric propulsion, edge computing, and solar power beaming—while maintaining efficiency and minimal size/weight constraints.

This summary is AI-generated from the official solicitation.

Key Details

Agency
Department of Defense
Funding Amount
Release Date
August 5, 2026
Due Date
September 23, 2026

Official Description

Historically, U.S. space dominance relied on a benign environment where assets operated statically to provide communication, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) functions. Today, space is a contested and active warfighting domain. In response, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) is adopting the "Maneuver Without Regret" (MWR) concept. Implementing MWR necessitates high-voltage architectures (200V–800V) to support next-generation Electric Propul...

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Change History

Q&A UpdatedSep 3, 2026 at 7:01 PM

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

Added 1 new Q&A (Q1) clarifying scope: topic targets radiation-hard high-power switching devices (MOSFETs, GaNFETs) but may extend to broader high-power, high-voltage rad-hard converter systems. Previous Q&As renumbered accordingly.

Q&A UpdatedSep 2, 2026 at 4:01 PM

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

Q1 and Q2 received new answers. A1 clarifies feasibility documentation can rely on TCAD simulations, preliminary testing, manufacturability evidence, and packaging assessments—no fabricated/tested device required. A2 confirms minimum requirement is radiation immunity at Vds ≥600V; 1kV operation is preferred, not mandatory.

Q&A UpdatedSep 2, 2026 at 2:01 PM

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

Added 2 new Q&As: Q1 clarifies that Phase I feasibility can be demonstrated via TCAD simulation, foundry compatibility, and plans without requiring fabricated/tested devices at proposal submission. Q2 clarifies that SEB immunity demonstration above 600V satisfies the minimum requirement, with 1 kV operation preferred but not mandatory.

Q&A UpdatedAug 28, 2026 at 3:01 PM

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

Q1 received an answer clarifying that the project is open to all material systems and device topologies, not limited to specific technologies like SiC or Si MOSFETs.

Q&A UpdatedAug 28, 2026 at 1:01 PM

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

This Q&A clarifies a critical technical scope issue: applicants must confirm whether the project targets Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs or traditional Silicon MOSFETs, as the technology platform fundamentally determines feasibility and approach for improving secondary breakdown (SEB/SEM) performance.

Status ChangedAug 26, 2026 at 2:02 PM

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

Status changed from Pre-Release to Open

Opportunity AddedAug 5, 2026 at 12:02 PM

Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

New opportunity: Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

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