Do you have an idea that could advance the state of current CubeSat technologies and payloads and demonstrate applications that may benefit any of the USSOCOM missions? Propose new or innovative CubeSat payload technology/use concepts that can be demonstrated to support USSOCOM missions within 12-24 months. Seven $5,000 prizes will be awarded in the following categories: 4 – 3U Winners, 2 – 6U Winners and 1 – People’s Choice Award

Make sure to follow the competition to find out how you can get involved: https://herox.com/cubesat-challenge

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is the Unified Combatant Command charged with manning, training, and equipping the various Special Operations Component Commands of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force of the United States Armed Forces.  Core Activities within the scope of Special Operations Forces (SOF) include: Direct Action, Special Reconnaissance, Unconventional Warfare, Foreign Internal Defense, Civil Affairs Operations, Counterterrorism, Military Information Support Operations, Counter-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Security Force Assistance, Counterinsurgency, Hostage Rescue and Recovery, and Foreign Humanitarian Assistance.

Example areas that are relevant to USSOCOM missions are (not an exhaustive list):

• Next-generation CubeSat and/or sensor technologies
• Advanced communications; including full orbit Command & Control and data exfiltration
• Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) sensing and imaging
• Multi/Hyper spectral sensor technology
• Propulsion capabilities to modify or maintain orbits
• Advanced On-Orbit data processing
• Multi-function payloads
• Tagging, Tracking and Locating capabilities