SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Our proposal addresses expanding the bandwidth of free space optical (FSO) communications tonbsp;100G for lunar and Lagrange points while using available low-cost and low size, weight, and power (SWaP) technologies. We propose to develop 100G space laser transceiver technology using terrestrial optical fiber communications (fibercom) 100G,nbsp;photonic integrated circuits, coherent modules for long-range space-based free space optical (FSO) links. Our link budget indicates that 100G-200G is feasible with a ground station telescope of 1-6nbsp;meters in diameter, with smaller 10-20 cm satellite telescopes, and can support lunar, L1 andnbsp;L2 ranges. The SBIR enables extending DSM optical communication to Mars, Venus, Asteroids and planetary bodies and Lagrange points.Key enablers to expand NASA human spaceflight operations, telerobotic, astronaut HD video and SMD science for Lunar missions.Enables NASA Heliophysics vision for affordable, sun-sensing SmallSat constellations at L1, L2 for space weather, astronaut safety missions and SMD heliophysics science.Technical approach leverages terrestrial fibercom photonic integrated circuit (PIC) providing advanced technology at low cost for space.Ready for program insertion in 2025.
