Development of RF Photonic Component for Communication and Remote Sensing Application (IRAD)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

This effort will lay the foundation for future polymer-based integrated photonic components aimed at increasing the capabilities and performance of NASA’s fleet of communication and science instruments within the Size, Weight and Power constrains of small satellite platforms.

Benefits

This technology offers board potential for infusion by future projects in the Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics LOB that are seeking to increase their science instrument capability and performance while equally lowering the Cost, Size, Weight and Power required meeting their science goals. Beyond SMD, this component has potential application in the field of optical communication as well.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

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

Christopher M Green — christopher.m.green-1@nasa.gov
Michael A Johnson — michael.a.johnson@nasa.gov
Eleanya E Onuma — eleanya.e.onuma@nasa.gov
Manohar D Deshpande — manohar.d.deshpande@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.