A-TECH CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF161-090

Description

ABSTRACT: ATA proposes to develop an optical communications terminal with low SWaP-C that enables high data rate communications between GPS satellites.Our proposed Laser Communications Crosslink (LaserComXL) terminal integrates advanced ATA line-of-sight stabilization, tracking and pointing technologies with space-qualified laser and detector technologies into a compact package with multiple optical heads capable of simultaneously maintaining links to multiple other satellites in the GPS constellation.ATAs low SWaP-C GPS crosslink system combines high photon efficiency optical communications technologies with ATAs expertise in stabilization, tracking, and space optical terminals.High photon efficiency optical communications concepts have demonstrated high rate communications with small apertures and low transmitted laser power.Each LaserComXL terminal set would contain two independently operating optical heads sharing a common reference star tracker.We will mount two terminal sets on opposite sides of a satellite to support four independently addressable simultaneous links to neighboring satellites within the constellation.Each optical head would contain apertures of approximately 25 mm diameter.The terminal set weight goal is 10 pounds with a power goal of 15 watts.; BENEFIT: ATAs LaserComXL has many anticipated benefits.Our multi-link optical terminals will enable data networking of GPS constellation via a compact, low SWaP-C configuration.The persistent links allow ranging, clock synchronization and ephemeris updates while the optical channel provides flexibility and scalability for higher data rates.In addition to the GPS Crosslink application, ATA is pursuing a number of civil space and non-government applications for its LaserComXL technology.We are in discussions with major aerospace primes for laser communications optical modules.In addition, numerous commercial companies are planning constellations of earth imaging satellites and internet connectivity satellites.The major market segment for InterSat Communications Links can be divided into two market sub-segments: one where communications is the primary mission of the satellite constellation, and a second where earth imaging is primary mission of a constellation (that needs to relay large amounts of data rapidly around the globe to ground stations).The estimated total available market (TAM) for these applications exceeds $1B based on public statements by numerous commercial companies.