Radiation-Hardened Compact W-band Transceiver

QuinStar proposes a radiation-hardened, integrated-chip W-band Gallium Nitride MMIC transceiver front-end designed for high-resolution space descent and landing radars. The design is fully compatible with FMCW phase altimeter and FMCW Doppler techniques for simultaneous altitude and velocity measurement, as outlined in NASA’s Report on Planetary Terminal Descent and Landing Radar (PTDLR). When paired with a circulator, it enables a single antenna configuration for both transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) functions. Operating in the 92-94 GHz range, the MMIC will utilize an advanced GaN-on-SiC process, ensuring high tolerance for Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and high Linear Energy Transfer (LET) conditions.

The proposed low-cost, compact, reliable, and energy-efficient transceivers is critical to support NASA’s applications for 3D imaging, tracking satellites and space debris, and facilitating lunar operations like docking and maneuvering amidst the dense satellite population orbiting Earth. The product can directly benefit NASA programs that involve decent and landing radar technologies, which include: (1) Safe and Precise Landing – Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE): Our investigation indicates that this program focuses on developing advanced descent and landing systems for missions to the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. We hope our success can enhance terrain navigation, hazard detection, and precise and safe landings. (2) Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS): As part of NASA's Artemis program, CLPS involves delivering scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to the Moon. Precise landing technologies, including radars, are critical for these missions. (3) Mars Exploration Program: Past and future Mars missions, such as the Perseverance rover, rely on descent and landing systems to safely touch down on the Martian surface. These systems often include radar-based technologies for hazard avoidance and navigation. DoD Programs (1) Deployable Instrument Landing System (D-ILS): This system supports Air Force contingency operations and disaster relief by providing precision approach and landing capabilities in adverse weather conditions. (2) Deployable Radar Approach Control (D-RAPCON): Used for tactical military and humanitarian operations, this system offers terminal and enroute surveillance capabilities, replacing older radar systems. (3) Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR): A program focused on prototyping and fielding advanced radar systems for military applications. (4) Helicopter Landing Radars. Commercial Programs and Applications: (1) Blue Origin's Lunar Descent and Landing Sensors: Blue Origin has collaborated with NASA to develop and test descent and landing sensors for precision lunar landings, which could also have commercial applications. (2) Enhanced Modular Terminal Descent Sensor: This project focuses on developing terrain-relative radar altimeters and velocimeters for planetary landings, with potential commercial uses in space exploration. (3) SpaceX Lunar and Mars Missions: SpaceX's efforts in lunar and Mars exploration likely involve descent and landing radar technologies for their spacecraft. (4) Radar and 3-D Imaging for commercial cargo and passenger planes. (5) Industry Sensor Systems: filling-level measurements, production line surveillance, human-machine collaboration. (6) Security surveillance such as bird detection at airports and airfields. (7) Road Safety: landing aid for drones and helicopters, automotive radar, submarine, and railway technologies.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.