Ultra-compact, High Resolution, LADAR system for 3D Imaging, Phase I

SiWave proposes to develop an innovative, ultra-compact, high resolution, long range LADAR system to produce a 3D map of the exterior of any object in space such as the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station or a future Space Solar Power Satellite to inspect for damage. Our approach combines coherent optical detection with a small transmitting beam for high-speed scanning and fast electronics for image processing. The use of coherent detection overcomes the problems of weak signals (due to the limited power) and signal fluctuations caused by surface roughness. The resulting LADAR system weighs less than 300 gm and has a resolution of 1 mm at 10 m.

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.