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Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)
This project will focus on the development of a communications system that is compatible with the current CubeSat standard and will support high data rate downlinks. The result of this project will be the maturation of an S-band 200kbps receiver and X-band 12.5Mbps transmitter to technology readiness level 5, which is compatible with the current NASA Near Earth Network.
The technologies advanced as part of this project will enable NASA missions. Many recent CubeSats have made use of frequencies allocated for amateurs, while government funded CubeSats using amateur radio frequencies may violate the intent of the amateur radio service. Additionally, it is a violation of National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) rules for government funded ground stations to use amateur radio frequencies to communicate with CubeSats. With the significant growth of CubeSat missions the current use of amateur spectrum is not sustainable and alternative solutions need to be developed. Such solutions require the development of radios in other bands that can be licensed and which are affordable, meet CubeSat constraints and can provide high speed downlinks .
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.