Metamaterial Applications for Space-Based Active Phased Arrays

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: Network Command, Control and Communications; General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors; Electronics; Space Platform; Materials The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the Air Force SBIR/STTR HelpDesk: usaf.team@afsbirsttr.us. OBJECTIVE: Develop metamaterial solutions for space-based active phased array applications to provide enhance capabilities for L-band, S-band, and C-band. The research and development must address enhancements in non-mechanical beam steering and pointing, and reduced aperture volume and mass. In addition, integration and system characterization should be considered in conjunction with manufacturing challenges. DESCRIPTION: Future concepts for space-based communications and sensing hinge upon the use of novel functionalities and increased capabilities in smaller platforms with low SWaP. One area that has shown promise is the use of metamaterials for antenna applications. One of the greatest challenges to overcome for space-based phase arrays is the large size and mass of the aperture, in addition to beam pointing/steering. Investigation and application of metamaterials in conjunction with software-defined phase arrays seeks to enhance active phased array performance in L-band, S-band, and C-band. Metamaterial based apertures have demonstrated acceptable single band performance in small form factor and low cost systems for commercial markets. Flexibility to define the aperture properties can be explored through new metamaterial design coupled with active components - the focus of this effort should be on the metamaterial application and not on the feed network design or software-defined radio design. Metamaterials considered should be appropriate and feasible for operation in the space environment. The system performance should be characterized in comparison to traditional phased arrays. Some metrics may include pointing stability, overall steering FOV/FOR, access area, etc. PHASE I: This topic is intended for a D2P2, therefore a Phase I award is not required. This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into a Phase II. Phase 1 like proposals will not be evaluated and will be rejected as nonresponsive. The offeror is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct to Phase II proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a Phase I-like effort, including a feasibility study and any reports/documentation the support moving D2P2. This includes determining the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have potential. It must have validated the product-market fit between the proposed solution and a potential USSF stakeholder. The offeror should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the USSF customer. The feasibility study should have; -Identified how this technology is enhancing state-of-the-art and current fielded solutions -Described integration cost and feasibility with current mission-specific products; -Described if/how the demonstration can be used by other DoD or Governmental customers. PHASE II: Eligibility for D2P2 is predicated on the offeror having performed a Phase I-like effort predominantly separate from the SBIR Programs. Under the phase II effort, the offeror shall sufficiently develop the technical approach, product, or process in order to conduct a small number of advanced manufacturing and/or sustainment relevant demonstrations. Identification of manufacturing/production issues and or business model modifications required to further improve product or process relevance to improved sustainment costs, availability, or safety, should be documented. Air Force sustainment stakeholder engagement is paramount to successful validation of the technical approach. These Phase II awards are intended to provide a path to commercialization, not the final step for the proposed solution. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor will pursue commercialization of the various technologies developed in Phase II for transitioning expanded mission capability to a broad range of potential government and civilian users and alternate mission applications. Direct access with end users and government customers will be provided with opportunities to receive Phase III awards for providing the government additional research & development, or direct procurement of products and services developed in coordination with the program. A Phase III award may include a technology/prototype demonstration, with feasibility in both air and space applications. REFERENCES: T. Itoh, "Metamaterials for RF applications," 2008 33rd International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter and Terahertz Waves, 2008, pp. 1-3, doi: 10.1109/ICIMW.2008.4665715; ; E. Brookner, "Advances and breakthroughs in radars and phased-arrays," 2016 CIE International Conference on Radar (RADAR), 2016, pp. 1-9, doi: 10.1109/RADAR.2016.8059284. KEYWORDS: Active Phased Arrays; Metamaterials; Ka-band; Multiple band antenna; Space-based communications; Non-mechanical beamsteering; Software Defined Radio