High-Efficiency S-Band SSPA for Next Generation NASA Remote Sensing SAR/InSAR Platforms

This proposal will significantly advance Power Added Efficiency (PAE) beyond present-day state-of-the-art SSPAs operating at S-Band in the over 1kW peak output power regime, achieving a TRL 3-4 S-band/ 3.2 GHz solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) module. The greatly enhanced PAE will result in an SSPA with a compact form factor suitable for CubeSat/SmallSat or other NASA remote sensing platforms. The project aims to achieve over 1kW of output power, 50dB of Gain, PAE of no less than 60% and possibly greater than 75% through Recon-RF’s advanced power amplifier design techniques based on next-generation waveform design capabilities and practices.

The proposed S-Band SSPA module capable of PAE >60% will enhance NASA’s remote sensing for SWaP-C conscious applications such as: • SAR/InSAR Payloads for studying surface topology on Earth and on other planets • Follow-on Missions to NISAR’s InSAR S-Band Geo-Physical Remote Sensing Payload • VenSAR S-Band SAR payload for Geo-Physical Remote Sensing of Venus

Non-NASA commercial and DOD applications stand to benefit from Recon-RF’s advancements in S-Band SSPA technology, such as: • Airport Surveillance Radar • Surface Ship Radar • S-Band Satellite Communications • S-Band Weather Radar • Rural Broadband Back-Hauls • Commercial InSAR/SAR for remote sensing of vegetation and geo-physical phenomena

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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