Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD)

LCRD is a minimum two year flight demonstration in geosynchronous Earth orbit to advance optical communications technology toward infusion into Deep Space and Near Earth operational systems, while growing the capabilities of industry sources. LCRD will validate the essential operational elements of an optical communication network and establish the initial operational capability for the next generation of satellites. The LCRD mission will provide a minimum of two years of continuous high rate optical communications in an operational environment and demonstrate a viable operational architecture for laser communication. Optical communications will enable NASA to undertake future complex missions that would require large increases in data volume with minimum impact to the user for accommodation of the communication system. LCRD will demonstrate the modulation and coding suitable for very high rate links. The LCRD architecture enables it to serve as a test bed to demonstrate advanced networking concepts and protocols that will enable full potential operational optical communications for future missions.

A reliable, capable, and cost effective optical communication technology for infusion into operational systems. Optical systems provide significantly increased data rates or reduced power. Provides on orbit test bed for both deep space and near earth optical communication mission scenarios through collaboration of NASA with other US agencies. Project helps to develop industry sources for space optical communication systems. Demo & validate a reliable, capable, and cost effective optical communications technology for infusion into operational systems.

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.