The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency plans to establish a consortium of government and industry space experts that will create technical and safety standards for on-orbit servicing operations of commercial satellites.DARPA said Tuesday the Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations will research, develop and publish non-binding, consensus-derived technical and safety standards for on-orbit servicing activities.
“We’re inviting the space community to join us in creating a permanent, self-sustaining ‘one-stop shop’ where industry can collaborate and engage with the U.S. Government about on-orbit servicing, as well as drive the creation of the standards that future servicing providers will follow,” said Todd Master, a DARPA program manager.
Master added the standards will combine data, expertise and experience from government and industry as well as protect commercial partners’ financial and strategic interests.
DARPA is also scheduled to hold a Proposers Day on Dec. 16 at the agency’s Arlington, Virginia-based offices to explain the program to interested parties.
An administrative organization will execute CONFERS and oversee consortium organization, standards development and technical leadership and management, DARPA added.
The agency plans to turn over CONFERS leadership and funding to industry before fiscal year 2021.
