SKYLOOM GLOBAL CORP. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF211-CSO1

Description

Skyloom will identify potential Space Force end users for laser communication (lasercom) technology, emphasizing adaptations of our existing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) crosslink terminals.  We will identify a priority use case and submit a Phase II proposal to develop and demonstrate a flight-qualifiable prototype terminal.  The prototype will demonstrate benefits including improved availability, security, and resiliency as well as dramatically higher data throughput and lower cost compared with radio frequency based systems.  Skyloom already offers LEO satellite data transfer services commercially.  We have fully tested our first LEO-to-LEO optical crosslink transceiver, achieving a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6, and delivered it to the customer for spacecraft integration and launch in Q2-2021.  We are also under contract to deliver crosslink terminals for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 LEO Transport Layer.  That terminal will complete system-level environmental testing (TRL 6) and ship in December 2021 for launch in September 2022 (first prototype to be delivered in March 2021).  Skyloom expects high reuse of our existing designs, customizing capabilities that are specific to defense applications including a secure U.S. based supply chain and technical upgrades such as redundant systems, increased reliability/lifetime, more robust encryption support, etc.