Deployable Ka-Band Reflectarray

Tyvak, in collaboration with UCLA, proposes a novel approach to the challenge of creating a large reflector for Ka-band high data rate links. We propose to attach the primary reflector surface permanently to the surface of a 6U spacecraft and illuminate the reflector using a Cassegrain style subreflector with an illuminating antenna that is permanently mounted to the transmitter / receiver inside the satellite. While other approaches focus on deploying the reflector surface itself, including Tyvak?s own deployable dish project, this proposed innovation uses minimal moving parts to achieve a high gain design.

NASA has expressed interest in developing swarms of coordinating nano satellites, such as for an interferometer. In such a scenario comms can be a challenging design problem. In order to downlink the data generated by such an array and also to command / control it pointing the spacecraft is typically required, however this can interfere with the primary mission. This antenna allows developing a dedicated comms satellite to fly in the swarm which collects the data over an ISL and then downlinks the data either through TDRSS or through ground stations.

There are many potential commercial applications for an antenna that can be used to maintain a comms link to GEO from a LEO CubeSat. Tyvak is actively pursuing commercial business in this area. The main limitation that Tyvak has faced so far is not being able to accurately quote the development time and cost. With the Phase I STTR award Tyvak would be able to make much more progress in commercializing this technology.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.