High Efficiency and Power Laser Transmitter for Deep Space Communications

In this program, Freedom Photonics will design an innovative compact, diode laser pumped solid state laser to achieve specifications listed by the program. High efficiency will be achieved by simultaneously optimizing the pump laser and the solid state active region and cavity for high performance.

The first planned product for the PPM optical transmitter technology to be developed in this program is a long-range FSO link for Interplanetary Optical Telecommunications supporting robotic explorers. The second planned products will be FSO links for NASA satellite-to-ground applications as well as inter-satellite communications. Subsequent products will be for air-to-ground, air-to-air, air-to-space and ground-to-ground applications to complement existing Freedom Photonics technology.

Freedom Photonics will work closely with several system integrators in this effort to obtain their guidance on possible paths to transition this product to other markets. Freedom Photonics has existing relationships with several space system manufacturers, such as Boeing, Lockheed, Ball Aerospace and Northrop Grumman. The goal is to identify in Phase II a Prime systems supplier that will incorporate into their satellite systems the first planned product of an FSO link for commercial inter-satellite communications. Subsequent products for air-to-ground and air-to-air applications would be of high interest to UAV manufacturers and additional probable customers in this industry will be included, companies such as: AeroVironment, AeroMech, Bell Helicopter and General Atomics.

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.