SBIR/STTR Award attributes
To address the Army’s need for a multibeam, wideband-satellite communications (SATCOM) antenna, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Intelligent-control Multibeam SATCOM (IRIS) antenna. This proposed device is based on a new design that utilizes POC’s experience in developing antennas and custom materials. The innovation in electromagnetic field conditioning will enable the antenna to provide an affordable technology to close multiple simultaneous connections to geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), low-Earth orbit (LEO), and medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellite systems that can be deployed on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) trailer. In Phase I, POC will identify and model the key technologies required to support the performance and cost goals for simultaneous beams to multiple geosynchronous and other satellites. POC will conduct Phase I studies to determine the IRIS architecture, scalability approach, basic RF performance parameters (frequency bands supported, instantaneous bandwidth, linearity across frequency, antenna gain and side lobes, axial ratios, effective isotropic radiated power, and gain-to-noise-temperature), tracking methodology, production costs, and feasibility of meeting requirements in MIL-STD-188-164B. In Phase II, POC will test and demonstrate key technologies to support an initial capability at technology readiness level (TRL)-4/-5 and will identify the growth path to full performance.
