Are companies from outside the US eligible to participate?
Yes, companies and individuals from outside the US are eligible to participate in the Reef Starter Innovation Challenge. There are some limitations indicated in the official rules – please consult them to determine your particular eligibility.
Can companies submit more than one response?
Yes, individuals and companies are welcome to submit more than one response for this Challenge. We recommend that each individual submission be an independent technology or opportunity rather than part of an interdependent group.
I’ve got a great business idea for sample return capsules from Orbital Reef – can I submit?
Technologies and businesses intended to support on-orbit operations are generally out of scope for this Challenge. The focus is on concepts that can improve life on Earth.
What kinds of resources will I have access to on Orbital Reef?
Power
Cooling
High-bandwidth communications
Informational and physical security
Robotic servicing
Technician attention
Stowage
Logistics/Transportation
What types of ATI consortia can I be introduced to through this Challenge?
ATI is currently administering 24 different consortia across a wide range of technology domains, including CONFERS (Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations) and AMTC (Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium. Other consortia cover medical, energy and infrastructure technologies. For more information about ATI and the consortia, please visit the ATI Collaborations page.
I’m an undergraduate student/university researcher – can I respond with a research proposal?
The primary goal of the Reef Starter Innovation Challenge is to identify companies that would benefit from access to LEO. Submissions from academic researchers, at all levels, are of interest if the technology already has been spun off into a standalone company or if plans are in place to do so.
I’d like to establish a media lab on the Reef – is that within scope?
A media-focused proposal could be of interest. For any submission, please be prepared to present details about how your proposal would take advantage of the microgravity environment.
Who will evaluate responses?
All eligible submissions will be reviewed by a team of Orbital Reef experts from a range of departments to ensure that the selected companies align well with the goals and mission of Orbital Reef.
Am I surrendering my IP by participating in this Challenge?
Absolutely not – all submissions and pitches made as part of the Reef Starter Innovation Challenge must be non-confidential in nature. Finalists will be able to establish necessary privacy agreements with Orbital Reef in order to secure flight approval.
When will Orbital Reef be in full operation?
Currently, Orbital Reef is anticipating operations to commence during the second half of this decade.
Are there physical constraints on how large my proposed technology can be?
There are no specific limitations on the physical dimensions of any technology proposed as part of this Challenge. That said, submissions which propose large objects or which require substantial volume aboard the Orbital Reef should include information which provides compelling justification and explanation. Remember: increases in launch mass directly translate into increases in launch costs and complexity.
