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Active TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 6)
Leverage NASA and Industry investment in phased array antennas to support lunar surface communications. In particular mobile communications, e.g., Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), where electronic beam steering is preferable to a gimbaled dish, and enables rapid switching between relay and base station. The KaSTLE project is developing a communications system composed of phased array antennas that will enable communications with NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle while the vehicle is in motion on the lunar surface, a key LTV capability required by NASA’s Extravehicular Activity & Human Surface Mobility program.
Improvements to lunar surface comm link performance. Phased array steering provides high rate communication links to be maintained while in motion. Provides more reliable steering than mechanical gimbals, lower maintenance, less failure prone, safer than steered dishes.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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