2319654
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR PHASE I: MULTIPLE ACCESS LASER COMMUNICATION TERMINALS FOR OPTICAL ORBITAL HOTSPOTS -The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project lies in the development of an optical orbital hotspot network that will enhance satellite data collection and utilization. This innovation is projected to make small satellites operating more efficient and accessible, thus empowering businesses, agencies, and new entrants.
The expected result is an increase in data generation and transfer, improving connectivity to cloud-based services and low Earth orbit (LEO) space-based platforms. By decreasing the technical and cost barriers to LEO access, rapid innovation will be enabled, leveraging existing aerospace research. This development is aligned with a growing market, with the satellite laser communication market expected to reach $4.1B by 2031.
The commercial implications are vast, including opportunities to address an even larger satellite ground station market, with the potential to enable transformational opportunities across various sectors. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop and refine the technology for an optical orbital hotspot network integration and implement advanced beam steering technologies.
The primary challenges lie in the creation of Multi-Access Lasercom Terminals (MALT) and the development of orbital optical hotspot technology. The research will mature the optical designs of the MALT and compact user lasercom terminal systems (micro-LCT). Research and objectives to be addressed range from operations development to preliminary hardware design.
The anticipated technical results will include the establishment of orbital models, multibeam steering technology development, interface and requirements definition, and design for the MALT and micro-LCT systems. These efforts will collectively solve the 'last mile problem' for small size, weight, power, and cost satellites, enhancing capabilities and lowering high data rate communication barriers in the Earth observing systems market.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. - Subawards are not planned for this award.
The expected result is an increase in data generation and transfer, improving connectivity to cloud-based services and low Earth orbit (LEO) space-based platforms. By decreasing the technical and cost barriers to LEO access, rapid innovation will be enabled, leveraging existing aerospace research. This development is aligned with a growing market, with the satellite laser communication market expected to reach $4.1B by 2031.
The commercial implications are vast, including opportunities to address an even larger satellite ground station market, with the potential to enable transformational opportunities across various sectors. This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop and refine the technology for an optical orbital hotspot network integration and implement advanced beam steering technologies.
The primary challenges lie in the creation of Multi-Access Lasercom Terminals (MALT) and the development of orbital optical hotspot technology. The research will mature the optical designs of the MALT and compact user lasercom terminal systems (micro-LCT). Research and objectives to be addressed range from operations development to preliminary hardware design.
The anticipated technical results will include the establishment of orbital models, multibeam steering technology development, interface and requirements definition, and design for the MALT and micro-LCT systems. These efforts will collectively solve the 'last mile problem' for small size, weight, power, and cost satellites, enhancing capabilities and lowering high data rate communication barriers in the Earth observing systems market.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. - Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE I", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23515
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Cambridge,
Massachusetts
02139-1661
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Spacerake was awarded
Project Grant 2319654
worth $274,120
from National Science Foundation in March 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Cambridge Massachusetts United States.
The grant
has a duration of 1 year and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I: Multiple Access Laser Communication Terminals for Optical Orbital Hotspots
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project lies in the development of an Optical Orbital Hotspot network that will enhance satellite data collection and utilization. This innovation is projected to make small satellites operating more efficient and accessible, thus empowering businesses, agencies, and new entrants. The expected result is an increase in data generation and transfer, improving connectivity to cloud-based services and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space-based platforms. By decreasing the technical and cost barriers to LEO access, rapid innovation will be enabled, leveraging existing aerospace research. This development is aligned with a growing market, with the satellite laser communication market expected to reach $4.1B by 2031. The commercial implications are vast, including opportunities to address an even larger satellite ground station market, with the potential to enable transformational opportunities across various sectors.
This SBIR Phase I project proposes to develop and refine the technology for an Optical Orbital Hotspot network integration and implement advanced beam steering technologies. The primary challenges lie in the creation of multi-access lasercom terminals (MALT) and the development of orbital optical hotspot technology. The research will mature the optical designs of the MALT and compact user lasercom terminal systems (micro-LCT). Research and objectives to be addressed range from operations development to preliminary hardware design. The anticipated technical results will include the establishment of orbital models, multibeam steering technology development, interface and requirements definition, and design for the MALT and micro-LCT systems. These efforts will collectively solve the 'last mile problem' for small size, weight, power, and cost satellites, enhancing capabilities and lowering high data rate communication barriers in the Earth observing systems market.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
SP
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515
Status
(Complete)
Last Modified 3/5/24
Period of Performance
3/1/24
Start Date
2/28/25
End Date
Funding Split
$274.1K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$274.1K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2319654
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
U8B5P58PX2T9
Awardee CAGE
9BTN4
Performance District
MA-07
Senators
Edward Markey
Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren
Modified: 3/5/24