Technologies Enabling Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSM)

The objective of this proposal is to develop a multi-channel optical modulation seed laser system capable of Cis-lunar and beyond deep space CCSDS capable pulse position modulation (PPM) modulation and also be capable of optical on-off keying (O3K) modulation schemes for near earth operation. The UpCOM 4 channel laser is unique and not available commercially. It is also needed for NASA, NASA Lunar CLPS vehicle and satellite operators, Artemis and future deep space missions. DoD is funding proliferated optical communication systems and needs O3K and PPM for LEO systems interoperability and also requires the ability to reach GEO, Cis-Lunar and lunar orbits. The outcome of this SBIR is to provide an off-the-shelf solution for NASA, commercial and aerospace companies augmenting or building multi-waveform optical ground stations.

The Optical PPM and OOK supports NASA optical ground stations for LEO, Lunar and Beyond Lunar apps: Lunar Orion SLS O2O optical terminal Deep Space & Heliophysics – Space weather, Sun studies out to L1, L2 at 100 Gbps Near Earth lidar, radar, imaging and multispectral sensors science missions Near Earth and Cis-Lunar, Lunar orbital, Lagrange Point, direct to earth.

Commercial lunar payload service (CLPS) companies need PPM. Also, their lander and lunar orbiter mission companies need ground support PPM and long-range services currently not available anywhere. LunaNet needs PPM ground stations DoD needs O3O and PPM optical ground stations for intelligence and contested space which extends to cis-lunar.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.