SBIR-STTR Award

Fibertek proposes a novel and extremely low-cost Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sensor with an integrated stand-alone Free Space Optical communication link. The sensor can be separated into 2 modules to support flexible integration into a small sat. The low-cost sensor suite will provide long range and precise 3D lidar threat targets information while enabling short range intra-communication for a Swarm constellation of small sats via an inherently secure Free Space Optical communication link without significant RF emissions. This program proposes to leverage previous NASA development work and adapt the sensor concept to the Air Force mission while drastically reducing the unit cost using low-cost commercial components and a design for manufacturability.

In our Phase 1 program, Fibertek demonstrated that extremely low-cost coded-waveform LIDAR sensors can provide precision ranging and tracking from small satellite platforms. In this proposed work, we will perform an expanded trade study over additional LIDAR phenomenologies to determine the feasibility and information value for additional sensing modes. On completion of trade study tasks, we will design a concept sensor for high-value data collection based on the most promising performance results uncovered during trade analysis. Finally, sensor performance will be validated with laboratory breadboard demonstration and/or performance modeling and simulation, and risk-reduction testing will be performed on key enabling technology components. This proposal is being submitted to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in furtherance of USAF Phase I SBIR Topic AF-182-155. Fibertek will analyze multiple lidar approaches under the proposed effort