NASA Seeks Next-Generation Ka-Band Relay System for Project NEXUS

NASA is preparing to release a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP-3), Appendix E, for Project NEXUS. This initiative will focus on developing a cutting-edge Ka-band Backward-Compatible Relay system.

Key Objectives: Backward Compatibility and Longevity

The primary goal is to secure an end-to-end Ka-band relay service, encompassing space, ground, launch, integration, and operations. This system is specifically designed to be backward compatible with existing Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS) users for a minimum of 15 years.

This capability is crucial for supporting current on-orbit missions that cannot easily modify their flight hardware or transition to non-compatible commercial services.

Mitigating Future Risks

To mitigate continuity risks anticipated between 2029 and 2031, NASA is inviting industry proposals to develop and demonstrate this comprehensive end-to-end capability.

Acquisition Strategy: Phased Competition with Commercial Focus

The acquisition process will be a phased, competitive Research and Development (R&D) initiative. NASA plans to issue multiple initial Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) awards, with subsequent downselects based on demonstrated performance, technical credibility, and commercial viability.

NASA expects that proposed solutions will not solely rely on NASA as a customer but will also be supported by a broader commercial business case.

The agency aims to expedite the development of commercially viable capabilities through these competitive research demonstrations, facilitating a transition to future operational services while ensuring open competition for those services.

Comprehensive Solutions Expected

All proposed satellite orbit solutions are acceptable, provided they include all necessary elements for industry to develop, deliver, and sustain the end-to-end relay service. This encompasses the space segment, launch services, ground and network infrastructure, and service operations and maintenance.

Information and insights gained from this BAA, including demonstration results and technical data, will inform NASA's future acquisition strategies for operational services.