Reconfigurable, Digital EVA Radio, Phase I

AeroAstro proposes to develop a low-power, low-volume and lightweight, state-of-the-art digital radio capable of operating in a wide variety of bands, from VHF through Ka microwave, with data transceive capabilities of voice, telemetry, and high-resolution video. This device is intended for use in manned extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) in deep-space environments, on lunar and planetary surfaces, and in the links and networks involved in end-to-end data flow. This radio is innovative in several aspects: in its size and power, in its modularity that allows the ability to handle different bands, in its use of software radio technologies, in its automatic adaptability to varying transmission environments, and in its reliability and fault-tolerant performance. This technology is paramount to the safety and success of manned missions in space, where unpredictable environments are present and where reliability is absolutely critical.

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.