Photonic Lantern - Optical Com Receiver development

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 3)

Description

Develop tracking algorithms to support Photonic lantern testing with new 70cm telescope which is expected to arrive at end of year.

Benefits

Will greatly expand and automate the capabilities of GSFC's new ground terminal testbed.

Details

Technology area	Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Optical Communications > Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking Techniques and Technologies
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2019-10-01
End date	2020-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Aprille J Ericsson — aprille.j.ericsson@nasa.gov
Lavida D Cooper — lavida.d.cooper@nasa.gov
Robert E Lafon — robert.lafon@nasa.gov
Armen Caroglanian — armen.caroglanian-1@nasa.gov
Victoria C Wu — victoria.c.wu@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.