SPACERAKE, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF231-D026

Description

Recent and planned efforts to integrate edge and cloud computing architectures are expected to extend Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capabilities well beyond the familiar archetype of downlinking remote sensing data via bandwidth-limited RF communication links. The ongoing development of large-scale optical intersatellite backbone networks by the DoD (such as the Space Defense Agency’s Transport Layer) and commercial entities promises to establish capabilities in LEO that are analogous to those created by terrestrial Internet Service Providers (ISPs). SpaceRake is going to provide spacecraft operators with high bandwidth, low latency, access to the backbone networks by creating Optical Orbital Hotspots using multi-access laser communication Optical Routers that communicate simultaneously with all satellites in the Hotspot. By placing these Hotspots in commonly accessed orbits, SpaceRake will give satellite operators and mission designers options for periodic or continuous high bandwidth connectivity with their vehicles.  Much like how the advent of WiFi technologies (IEEE 802.11) proliferated internet-connected devices through broad adoption of terrestrial Local Area Networks (LANs), SpaceRake believes that Optical Orbital Hotspots will fundamentally change the nature of small satellite and constellation mission design and implementation. This new capability will facilitate: ultra-low latency Earth observation data, high-precision timing applications (e.g. advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar), and real-time updates of trained AI/ML algorithms for a wide range of applications. Adoption of cloud-based capabilities by LEO satellites offers potential disruption of the LEO economy. SpaceRake will allow any small satellite operator to implement the most cutting-edge computational and data collection capabilities through access to continuous, high bandwidth connectivity in LEO.