Ka-Band PAA for Satellite Telemetry System for RLVs & Aircraft, Phase I

The proposed antenna is a Radial-Waveguide Array (RWA) that will operate at Ka band, 25.5-27.5 GHz in transmit and receive for left-hand, right-hand. This Phase I effort will develop the phase shifter element and control distribution layer. This planar antenna has the ability to reconfigure its beam width from a narrow, directive beam to a sector-wide beam. The design is easily scaleable to support the desired gain for the specific link. The design and the Parascan? phase shifter technology that makes this antenna possible are unique to Paratek Microwave, Inc. This antenna will enable NASA to realize a space-based telemetry system for their reusable launch vehicles, with substantial savings from their terrestrial-based telemetry systems and revolutionize broadband network links for both terrestrial and SATCOM communication networks.

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.