Laurel, MD – December 1, 2023 – Relative Dynamics Inc., an innovator of advanced space technology solutions, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant Other Transaction Authority award valued at $1.7 million for a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) by the Space Development Agency (SDA) for Relative Dynamics’ cutting-edge work on laser communications.
The award is a testament to Relative Dynamics' dedication to innovation and excellence in the field of space technology.
The Phase II SBIR award will be utilized for the continued development of the "Ground Optical Communications Array Terminal" (GOCArT). This approach to ground terminal technology has the potential to revolutionize laser communications in space and enhance connectivity for optical based satellite communication systems here on Earth.
GOCArT is designed as a scalable-aperture, deployable ground terminal with modular telescope elements with these innovations:
- Telescope array transmitter with Lateral Transfer Retroreflectors for boresight auto-alignment.
- Low-excess-noise high-sensitivity avalanche photodiode (APD) detectors.
- “Fly’s-eye” array receiver.
By implementing high-power optical amplifiers distributed within the array, GOCArT offers a cost-effective solution while mitigating the risk of traditional amplifiers prone to optical damage.
"Relative Dynamics is honored to receive the Phase II SBIR award from the Space Development Agency," said Kush Patel, CEO & Founder at Relative Dynamics Inc. "This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication to advancing space communications technology and providing innovative solutions for the growing needs of the space industry. We are excited to continue our work on the GOCArT project and contribute to the development of laser communications infrastructure both on the ground and in space."
Building on this Phase II SBIR effort, Relative Dynamics’ end goal is to provide operational GOCArT capability for the SDA's Layered Network of Military Satellites, known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Relative Dynamics’ GOCArT technology seeks to increase the efficiency and reliability of laser communications from space to ground while enhancing data transfer capabilities for satellite systems under the SDA’s PWSA.
SDA is dedicated to advancing space technology for the warfighter and Relative Dynamics is committed to pushing the boundaries of space technology development in support of the warfighter.
Relative Dynamics Inc. is excited to embark on the Phase II SBIR project and looks forward to collaborating with the SDA to advance laser communication technology.
For more information about Relative Dynamics Inc. and its innovative technologies, please visit www.relativedynamicsinc.com
