SBIR/STTR
High Power Uplink Amplifier for Deep Space Communications, Phase II
Project Introduction
Critical to the success of delivering on the promise of deep space optical communications is the creation of a stable and reliable high power multichannel optical uplink/beacon. Optical Engines proposes to deliver in phase 2 2 compact and low cost fiber amplifiers suited to the uplink application. This will be accomplished through the use of Optical Engines proprietary Multi-Fiber Coupled 2.5kW laser diode stacks, its Etched Taper All Fiber Combiner Technology and a custom designed Photonic Crystal Fiber. One of these amplifiers will be of the Coiled PCF type and one of the Rod type and will be integrated into existing NASA deep space communications up link infrastructure.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: High Power fiber lasers represent the fastest growing segment of the over $2B per year material processing market. A kW class fiber laser that is considerably smaller, and much lower cost will be a successful competitor in this market and will have a very good chance of gaining market share. The proposed fiber laser technology is extend able to the eyesafe portion of the spectrum allowing further penetration into these portions of the laser processing market. Laser processing is a small portion of the over $30B per year material processing market that can be further penetrated as the cost of these systems is reduced and flexibility of these systems is increased
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, CA |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, CA |
|
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, OH |
|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
| Optical Engines, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Colorado Springs, CO |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Colorado
-
Maryland
-
Ohio
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Managers:
Principal Investigator:
- Donald Sipes
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2011
End: Apr 2015
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 5 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TA 5.2 Radio Frequency Communications
- TA 5.2.2 Power-Efficient Technologies
Other / Cross-cutting:
- TA 5 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TA 5.1 Optical Communications and Navigation
- TA 5.1.1 Detector Development