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Laser communication promises 40+x the bandwidth of RF communication, yet is only possible when using very high power and massive traditional optics over long distances. Numerous assessments have identified 20+ gaps and shortfalls around high bandwidth communication, precission navigation, power beamining and remote sensing that are all limited by heavy and volume occupying traditional optics. A novel technology has been developed that can replace the primary traditional optic with a lightweight and large transmitter/receiver that can enable laser communication in space over long distance at an affordable cost. The technology has been advanced under FY26 CIF and and prior center IRAD funding. STMD Flight Opportunities Program selected the technology for flight testing on high altitude balloon in FY27. The selection awards $500K for payload development plus the cost of teh test. This flight objective of DEMONS is to validate/verify the use of membrane optics for laser communication on a high altitude balloon to support future orbital missions/campaigns. This funding under IRAD fills a needed gap of covering workforce time to work on the payload develompent during fall 2026.
The flight test aims to fly the receiver payload on a station keeping balloon at high altitude. The system will measure peak/averaefg transmission rates from the ground and study the performance of the membrane optic (focal spot) in near vacuum and cold environment. Successful flight test will mature the novel technology to TRL 5.
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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.
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