Robust Isolation for Vibration Abating (RIVA)

The main objective of this Phase I project is to fully demonstrate the feasibility of developing Robust Isolation for Vibration Abating (RIVA), suitable for integration in an optical transceiver, to reject high frequency base disturbance by at least 50 dB. The proposed RIVA will have integrated launch locks and latching mechanism with a robust performance. Specifically, RIVA will be applicable to long-range optical telecommunications. RIVA will reduce angular errors from vibration on low mass, high performance, laser beam control assemblies. While this project is focused on space version of RIVA, eventually, our solution will have two additional variants designed for a particular operating condition and platform, i.e., Ground and Air. It will meet qualifications of extreme shock and vibration attenuation during non-operating period and mitigates high frequency vibrations during laser operations while minimizing its weight meet requirements. Our innovative solution offers low size, weight, and power (SWaP) with improved efficiency, reliability, and robustness as related to its function, high frequency isolation. RIVA will utilize ShockTech proprietary elastomeric formulas which have been space-qualified and deployed upon NASA spacecraft. In fact, these same elastomeric formulas were used to protect the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument, used in the InSight mission under NASA’s Discovery program, from vibration and loads experienced during its travel from Earth to the Martian surface in 2018.

Robust Isolation for Vibration Abating (RIVA) is designed to be suitable for all missions requiring high stability communication pointing and alignment. RIVA is an innovative solution for advancing free-space optical communications by pushing future data volume returns to and from space missions in multiple domains with return data rates >100 Gbps (Lunar to ground), >10 Gbps (Earth-Sun), >1 Gbps/AU2 (deep space), and >1 Gbps (planetary lander to orbiter). Ground-to-space forward data rates >25 Mbps to farthest Mars ranges are targeted.

RIVA will be adopted for non-NASA optical communication satellites with the need for high-stability alignment will be necessary. RIVA’s flexible design makes it applicable to various communication satellite sizes. We will explore applications to production facilities for sensitive optical devices, sensitive medical devices, and airborne optical sensors onboard reconnaissance aircraft, and drones.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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