Adapting 100G Optical Comm to Unique NASA Small Satellite DSM Applications

We proposed to expand the bandwidth of free space optical (FSO) communications to100G for lunar and Lagrange points while using available low-cost and low size, weight, and power (SWaP) technologies. We propose to develop 100G space laser transceiver technology that specifically address the unique properties of these longer-range missions and bridging the gap between terrestrial and Geo, Lunar and L1/L2 mission applications. This is in contract to LEO efforts where the range is 1000km. This program will develop Cubes, Small and Large Satellite, mission ready, TRL 6 technology ready for program infusion in an ultra-compact 1 kg, 1 U CubeSat form factor with the expected reliability for long duration missions. The program leveraging cost effective terrestrial fibercom 100G,photonic integrated circuits, coherent modules for long-range space-based free space optical (FSO) links. Our link budget indicates that 100G-200G is feasible with a ground station telescope of 1-6meters in diameter, with smaller 10-20 cm satellite telescopes. The proposed technology is supports GEO downlink, GEO-GEO, Lunar, and potentially L1 andL2 ranges with sufficient ground station receiver aperture. Supports NASA Scan office roadmap for 100G everywhere in space. Support very long-range utilizing NASAs Optical and RF combo Telescope and antenna system currently under development. The telescope diameter is 5-10 meter telescope being developed by NASA for DSN applications. High bandwidth is a key enabler to expand NASA human spaceflight operations, telerobotic, astronaut HD video and SMD science for Lunar missions. Enables NASA Heliophysics vision for affordable, sun sensing SmallSat constellations at L1, L2 for space weather, astronaut safety missions and SMD heliophysics science. Technical approach leverages terrestrial fibercom photonic integrated circuit (PIC) providing advanced technology at low cost for space. Ready for program insertion in 2025. This SBIR will mature 100G optical transceiver and amplification technology to TRL 6 for GEO, lunar and Lagrange points using mature low-cost and low size, weight, and power (SWaP) technologies. We address specific performance with an emphasis on long mission duration and high reliability vs short LEO missions.   Our link budget in indicates that 100G-200G is feasible, small telescopes can support lunar, L1 and L2 ranges. Enable GEO-GEO intersatellite ling and GEO Lunar, and potentially L1 and L2 ranges direct to earth links. Ultra-low SWaP-C and can be expanded to Tbps with multiple modules. Enabler to expand NASA human spaceflight operations, telerobotic, HD video and SMD science for GEO, and Lunar missions. Enables NASA Heliophysics vision for affordable, sun-sensing SmallSat constellations at L1, L2 for space weather, astronaut safety missions Technical approach leverages terrestrial fibercom photonic integrated circuit (PIC) at low cost for space Ready for program insertion and available to the space FSO industry in 2025 This SBIR proposes to develop a very low SWaP, (0.5 U) 100 G transceiver (TRX) card that supports GEO lunar and Lagrange laser communications to Earth and DSM optical inter-satellite links. During Phase I we conducted design and risk reduction activities that established feasibility to develop a TRL 6 prototype in Phase II. The Phase 2 objectives of this SBIR include the following: Engineer a < 1 U CubeSat sized 100G transceiver ready for mission insertion. Demonstrates the unit meets unique to GEO, lunar and beyond practical free space links and support a link that tolerate: amplitude fluctuations, low dispersion, doppler shifting, and background noise. Demonstrate the unit meets radiation, vibration and thermal vacuum requirement for general aerospace industry use. Validate that short pulse 100G signals can be amplified to highpowers with minimal distortion and can support coherent communications

Support Lunar Artemis human exploration missions NASA state-of-the-art mesh networked lasercom capability to support SCaN deployment of optical communications Deep Space & Heliophysics – Space weather, Sun studies out to L1, L2 at 100 Gbps Near Earth science missions – Increased data rate for SmallSat sensors  Near Earth GEO and cis-lunar, lunar orbital, Lagrange Point L1, L2 Future NASA SmallSat and CubeSat constellations with science missions that need optical coms to support high data rates including multispectral imaging sensors DoD and U.S. Government for intelligence imagery. GEO, MEO, LEO CLPS commercial lunar payload services companies High data-rate, low-cost commercial optical communications from LEO/GEO satellites

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.

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.