Space Weather Alerting Platform (SWAP) (SWAP)

MyRadar’s Space Weather Alerting Platform (SWAP) is an AI-enhanced space weather observation system designed to improve near-real-time hazard detection and predictive capabilities. Space weather events—such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and solar energetic particles—pose significant risks to space-based and terrestrial infrastructure, yet existing monitoring systems lack the spatial and temporal resolution needed for improving nowcasting and forecasting. SWAP will address these gaps by leveraging miniaturized, proliferated spacecraft with onboard AI processing to autonomously detect and analyze space weather phenomena. SWAP’s multi-sensor payload includes a boom-mounted magnetometer, an EUV imaging camera, and a scintillation detector for X-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy. AI-driven onboard processing will enable autonomous anomaly detection, reducing reliance on ground-based processing and enabling low-latency alerting. Phase I will focus on designing the SWAP spacecraft architecture, conducting a trade study for key components, and developing a Phase II low Earth orbit demonstration plan to validate spacecraft performance. SWAP’s innovation will enhance operational space weather forecasting, benefiting commercial, government, and scientific users.

The proposed method allows for better observational coverage and higher resolution measurements and reporting for space weather. By incorporating AI into small satellite designs, SWAP can autonomously process and analyze space weather data in near real-time, which would enhance the speed and accuracy of hazard detection—directly addressing NASA's need for more responsive space weather instrumentation. The AI system will be capable of processing data in near real-time, significantly shortening the time between observation and operational decision-making, aligning with NASA’s emphasis on accelerating hazard identification. By de-risking the sensor integration and AI training required to add space weather observational capabilities to MyRadar’s satellite constellation, a Phase I SBIR award would accelerate the go-to-market timeline to meet the growing needs of government and commercial customers in the space segment. With improved near-real-time space weather intelligence, including the capability for direct satellite-to-satellite alerts, commercial and government customers will gain valuable time to take steps to mitigate space weather hazards.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.