Artemis III Alternate Comm System (RFI)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for Artemis III Alternate Communication System support. NASA seeks innovative, secondary communication capabilities for the Orion crew vehicle during Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operations to enable robust, high-rate data return. This RFI aims to identify mature services and user terminals to augment Orion's primary communication system. Capability Statements are due by May 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM CT.
Scope of Need
The Artemis III mission, scheduled for Summer 2027, involves launching the Orion spacecraft into LEO to test rendezvous and docking with commercial lunar landers. The mission profile introduces challenges, including a reduced data rate for Orion's primary communication system. NASA requires a secondary communication system to provide near-continuous, high-bandwidth data transmission, including live 4K imagery and large file downloads. Key Performance Objectives:
- Near continuous communication (goal: > 75%)
12 Mbps Downlink (goal: 20-50Mbps)
500 kbps Uplink
- Broad field of regard or steerable antenna/aperture. Integration Considerations:
- Short timeline, ease of integration, and hardware availability are critical.
- Orion Vehicle Interfaces: Ethernet for data/control, 28 VDC power (< 90W max), < 20kg mass, max volume 22” x 18” x 18”.
- Implementation Options: Both externally mounted (Flight Hardware delivery Fall 2026) and internally configured (Flight Hardware delivery Early 2027) systems will be considered.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research)
- Capability Statements Due: May 20, 2026, 4:00 PM CT
- Virtual Q&A Session: May 15, 2026 (Request to join by May 14, 2026, 5pm CT)
- Published: May 7, 2026
Requested Information
NASA invites detailed responses on existing or planned capabilities. Respondents should provide information on:
- System Overview, Terminal Parameters (internal/external, size, weight, interfaces)
- Space-Relay Architecture (service volume, constellation, ground infrastructure, assets, schedule risks)
- End-to-End capabilities (ground/cloud interfaces, APIs, MCC interfaces)
- Quantitative Link and Reliability Analysis (link budgets, data rates, coverage, availability)
- Expected Delivery, Integration, and Test Schedule (Engineering/Flight Unit delivery, integration/validation timelines)
- Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost for FY26 and FY27. Existing documentation like ICDs, SLAs, or User Guides are encouraged.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information-gathering and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to procure. NASA will not reimburse respondents for costs. Private one-on-one meetings may be scheduled at the government's discretion after reviewing Capability Statements. Points of Contact: claude.e.david@nasa.gov, ian.park@nasa.gov, shanna.deleon@nasa.gov.