Description
Objective: The objective of this effort is to develop and assess the feasibility of an Autonomous Space Cargo Network (ASCN) centered on Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to modernize cargo handling and logistics operations at the Space Joint Movement Complex (SJMC) and across the Department of War's (DoW) space mobility enterprise. The ASCN will prioritize robotic mobility, autonomous cargo transport, and modular robotic integration, enabling real-time cargo movement, autonomous load execution, and resilient logistics in contested and commercial environments. Supporting technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) for task orchestration and digital twins for system modeling, will be used to evaluate AMR coordination, predictive maintenance, and system optimization. This effort will establish the foundational architecture and performance requirements for a scalable, cybersecure, and interoperable logistics framework for future space sustainment missions. Description: The SJMC is envisioned as the central logistics hub for DoW space operations, supporting rapid deployment, sustainment, and agile mobility. Current cargo handling and logistics processes are heavily manual, lack real-time adaptability, and are not optimized for space-based supply chains or contested logistics environments. To address these capability gaps, the ASCN will deliver a hardware-centric logistics automation platform built around Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). The ASCN will combine autonomous robotics, intelligent decision-support, and digital twin technology to enable full-spectrum cargo management from warehouse to orbital interface while increasing speed, precision, and resilience. This effort will lay the foundation for a modular, scalable space logistics infrastructure aligned with U.S. Space Force (USSF) sustainment strategy. Key capabilities include: Autonomous Cargo Handling & Transport Optimization Robotic forklifts, pallet movers, and modular AMRs for autonomous loading/unloading Sensor-rich navigation systems for dynamic obstacle avoidance and precision docking Fleet coordination for multi-robot cargo movement across terrestrial and orbital logistics node AI-Driven Logistics Command & Control AI used for task orchestration, load prioritization, and mission responsiveness Integration with the Spaceport of the Future's Common Operating Picture (SPOF COP) Machine Learning for Mission Adaptability Predictive analytics for resource positioning and contingency planning Visibility and orchestration across all classes of supply Commercial & Military Logistics Interoperability Compatibility with U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Space Systems Command (SSC), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and commercial launch providers Joint protocol development for space cargo integration Cybersecure & Resilient Robotics Architecture Blockchain-secured logistics tracking and tamper prevention Quantum-resistant algorithms and Zero Trust cybersecurity framework This effort will lay the foundation for a future-ready, modular, and scalable space logistics infrastructure, aligned with U.S. Space Force (USSF) sustainment strategy and capable of supporting both terrestrial and orbital cargo networks. Keywords: Autonomous Cargo Logistics for Space; AI-Driven Cargo Management System; Autonomous Space Mobility & Sustainment; Digital Twin for Space Logistics Optimization; Cybersecure AI Logistics Framework CMMC Level: Level 2 (Self)