DEployable Membrane Optical commuNication System Tech Demo (DEMONS)

The full DEMONS (DEployable Membrane Optical commuNication System) architecture will be a series of orbital (and on planetary surfaces); deployed; membrane-based optical transmitters/receivers to enable secure; continuous; and high bandwidth data transmission (40 or more times RF rate). This is realized by removing the SOA barrier of pointing/power (current systems cannot point well enough to hit traditional optical receivers with enough signal over large distances) by simultaneously making the receiver bigger and cheaper. DEMONS will enable safer human exploration of the lunar and Martian surfaces in addition to the ability to transmit science data all at a low cost and reduced system requirements (lower transmitter power and pointing) relative to current options. This tech demo will build and test the basic functional unit; a transmitter (laser) and a receiver consisting of a large (3+ sqft) membrane optic (space ready polymer); that can be folded/rolled and deployed upon arrival. With the foundation demonstrated; DEMONS will move to non-center funding sources and enable continuous; high bandwidth data transmission throughout our solar system.

Once fully realized; DEMONS will enable 40X the bandwidth of current communication systems in a lighter and cheaper form factor relative the current SOA. The IRAD tech demo will demonstrate the basic principals and measure the throughput of the system.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.