Development of a Novel, Ultra-Low SWAP, RAD-Tolerant, Multi-Channel, Reprogrammable Photonic Integrated Circuit Optical Transceiver Module

According to Topic O1, titled Space Communications, "NASA's communications capability is based on the premise that communications shall enable and not constrain missions. Communications must be robust to support the numerous missions for space science, Earth science and exploration of the universe. Technologies such as optical communications, RF including antennas and ground based Earth stations, surface networks, access links, reprogrammable communications systems, communications systems for EVAs, advanced antenna technology, transmit array concepts and communications in support of launch services including space based assets are very important to the future of exploration and science activities of the Agency. Emphasis is placed on size, weight and power improvements. Innovative solutions centered around operational issues associated with the communications capability are needed. These technologies are to be aligned with the Space Communications and Navigation Architecture (SCaN)." Therefore, SPI proposes to develop a novel, ultra-low SWAP, multichannel, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) based optical transceiver for data rates up to 10Gbps per channel. It will be designed specifically for the AS1393a networking architecture demonstration; but, may easily be modified, via a change in the protocol/processing FPGA VHDL core, to suit a multitude of high-speed optical networking applications relevant to the NASA SCaN Internet Architecture Vision.

The following companies, government primes and agency branches have expressed interest in SPI's fiber optic networking products. RFQ's have been received from Lockheed-Martin - Eagan, Honeywell-DSES, Technobridge-Japan, Boeing, NASA-GSFC, NASA-JPL, Orbital Sciences Corporation, and Southwest Research Institutes. These companies/organizations have expressed great interest in SPI's RAD-tolerant, high-speed fiber optics communications devices.

SPI's optical communications products are designed to specifically target onboard data handling needs of NASA, DoD, and the Intelligence Community's satellite remote sensing applications. Our multi-protocol intelligent networking systems target NASA's SCaN Internet Architecture Program goals. The ultra-low SWAP, reprogrammable opticcal PIC-TRX module proposed will meet the advanced requirements of NASA's SCaN Internet Architecture Program.

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.