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Completed TRL 7 (started at 5, targeting 7)
The Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) project will develop and deploy a flight terminal and a ground network, which includes uplink and downlink terminals, and demonstrate a Deep Space Optical communications capability. Implementation of DSOC is part of the NASA SMD Psyche mission slated to launch in 2023. The DSOC mission will demonstrate at least a 10× enhanced data return capacity relative to state of the art deep-space telecommunication systems with equivalent mass and power. The demonstration will retire the risk of implementing an operational capability for future NASA missions throughout the solar system and pave the way toward novel light science applications.
Enable streaming of high-definition video from deep-space. Support human exploration of deep-space. Enable use of high data rate science instruments. Facilitate novel light science applications. High precision ranging. Laser probing of atmospheres and plasmas.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.