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Deployable Membrane Optical Communication System
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Description
DEMONS is a novel approach to spaceborne laser communication using membrane optics. The mass/volume of traditional optics has confined spaceborne laser communication to one-off demonstration missions at considerable cost with no path for large scale adoption. Once successful, DEMONS will enable low-cost scalable communication throughout the solar system to replace the Deep Space Network.
Benefits
Advance light-weight deployable optics technology for future space laser communication. Demonstrate membrane optical receivers between 15 km and 50 km on a high-altitude balloon, Develop point design for a spaceborne technology demonstration mission
Details
| Technology area | Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Optical Communications |
| Program | Agency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD) |
| Lead organization | Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA |
| Start date | 2026-10-01 |
| End date | 2027-09-30 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
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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