SBIR/STTR
Lasercom for Intra-Nanosat Communication (LINC), Phase I
Project Introduction
Earth orbiting spacecraft, deep space science missions, and unmanned aerial vehicles are facing increasing data volumes to be transmitted to ground stations. Laser Communication (Laser Com) terminals are necessary to handle the demand.
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Anticipated Benefits
Over the next decade and half, NASA bandwidth needs are expected to rise dramatically due to high data volume missions such as hyperspectral and SAR Earth and Mars observation missions, multiple coordinated complex robotic missions to Mars, NEO's and possibly the Moon, Mars Sample Return and Outer Planets flagship mission, Earth Sensor Web, etc. High data rate communication with inexpensive spacecraft offers enhanced data collection and information exchange within a constellation of small satellites as well as reduced size, weight, and power for deep space science platforms. Smaller, cheaper spacecraft will enable NASA to meet the agency's science goals even with austere budgets. A small satellite capable of transmitting data at Gb/sec rates offers the science community an opportunity to launch smaller, cheaper spacecraft more often. A constellation of cross-linked satellites could monitor weather, ocean temperatures & salinity, and the polar ice caps. Deep space missions would no lon The commercial in-flight broadband market is undergoing a remarkable increase with an increase of plane deployments from 25 units in 2008 to 2000 units in 2010 as reported by www.marketresearch.com. This sector is expected to grow well beyond $1 billion annually by 2012. Worldwide, military organizations are in the process of transforming into network-centric, information-based forces. New requirements are re-defining the need and use of communications. Innovations are shaped by new operational concepts and weapon and sensor trends. In the new paradigm, communication is not only an enabler but is directly affecting the outcomes of wars. Tactical use of MILSATCOM play a pivotal role in providing the interoperable, robust, "network-centric" communications needed for future operations. Based on historical data and market projections, Honeybee conservatively estimates that the combined commercial and military market for optical communication enabled nano, micro, and small satellites is w
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, CA |
| Honeybee Robotics, Ltd. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Pasadena, CA |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
New York
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Ames Research Center (ARC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2012
End: Aug 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 2 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.1 Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
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