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High-Rate Uplink Laser Transmitter

Canceled TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)

Description

Develop a high-power uplink laser with ~ kW average power and capable of supporting up to 25 Mbps data rates.


Benefits

High power ground laser transmitter provides high uplink data rate with low user spacecraft burden.

Details

Technology areaCommunications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Optical Communications
ProgramSpace Communications and Navigation (SCaN)
Start date2019-06-01
End date2025-09-30

How to get involved

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.

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.