Solving the most complex communications problems in aerospace.
Communications
What We Do
Relative Dynamics has extensive background and past performance designing state of the art Optical and RF communications systems. We develop precise solutions to line-of-sight problems for satellite communications systems.
With in-depth experience with link-margin analysis, spectrum analysis, spectrum allocations analysis, communication trade studies, andmodulation analysis, our team has industry recognition as subject matter experts. We provide services to challenging commercial and scientific missions while serving our country’s most ambitious programs, including Artemis, Lunar Gateway, Human Space Flight, and the International Space Station.
Relative Dynamics has a unique and experienced group of engineers who perform groundbreaking research with laser communications systems. With a creative design approach of the entire system, our engineers are making laser communications systems affordable while meeting the industry’s Space, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements.
Relative Dynamics has a unique and experienced group of engineers who perform groundbreaking research with laser communications systems. With a creative design approach of the entire system, our engineers are making laser communications systems affordable while meeting the industry’s Space, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements.
Our Recent Projects
Click on each project below to learn more about what we did to drive it to success.
NASA - International Space Station RF
The International Space Station (ISS) has been a longstanding symbol for global collaboration on space exploration and research. The international cooperation and technological challenges of coordinating the varied activities and visiting vehicles are ever-evolving.To say the least, the ISShas been the most politically complex space exploration program ever undertaken.
Relative Dynamics plays a large role in this program by leading all communication analysis for all visiting vehicles.Additionally, we have provided spectrum management which allows for seamless access to the radio frequency spectrum used in communications.
Relative Dynamics plays a large role in this program by leading all communication analysis for all visiting vehicles.Additionally, we have provided spectrum management which allows for seamless access to the radio frequency spectrum used in communications.
NASA - Artemis/Gateway
NASA is on a mission to return astronauts to the moon in the next four years. NASA's Artemis program aims to shine a light on new discoveries about the Moon, Earth and our origins in the solar system. Specifically, the Gateway plays a large role in NASA's deep space exploration plans. The Gateway is a spaceship that will orbit the Moon, allowing for easier transport of astronauts to and from Earth. It will be the foundation for the long-term Artemis architecture.
Relative Dynamics is providing communication analysis for the lunar mission along with spectrum management which allows for seamless access to the radio frequency spectrum used in communications.
Relative Dynamics is providing communication analysis for the lunar mission along with spectrum management which allows for seamless access to the radio frequency spectrum used in communications.
Space Communications Optical Universal Terminal (SCOUT)
Relative Dynamics is developing the Space Communications Optical Universal Terminal (SCOUT). SCOUT is an affordable and competitive communications payload with significant user operability.
The goal for SCOUT is to provide communication technology for a wide range of missions where there are limitations on size, weight, power and cost. These include satellite-to-satellite, satellite-to-Earth, planetary lander-to-Earth, and planetary lander/orbiter communications.
We have achieved a low-cost, injection-molded high-volume opto-mechanical structure that is also highly robust against thermal deformation, boasting one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios. Our Precision Pointing technology brings to market a new class of high-performance, ultra high-vacuum compatible motors.
The goal for SCOUT is to provide communication technology for a wide range of missions where there are limitations on size, weight, power and cost. These include satellite-to-satellite, satellite-to-Earth, planetary lander-to-Earth, and planetary lander/orbiter communications.
We have achieved a low-cost, injection-molded high-volume opto-mechanical structure that is also highly robust against thermal deformation, boasting one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios. Our Precision Pointing technology brings to market a new class of high-performance, ultra high-vacuum compatible motors.
Employee Spotlight
Phil Caffo
Deputy Ground Systems Manager
SEAS II
SEAS II
Here at Relative Dynamics, I am currently the Deputy Ground System Manager supporting the ESMO GSM in maintaining a continuous operational foundation for the Terra, Aqua, Aura, GPM, ICESat-2, and PACE missions. Relative Dynamics provided an unmissable opportunity to advance my career at NASA.
Working at NASA is a dream come true. It is an amazing honor to have an opportunity to support these satellite missions and Science writ large.
Working at NASA is a dream come true. It is an amazing honor to have an opportunity to support these satellite missions and Science writ large.
Diane Ngo
Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
AT RD, I do mechanical design for our optical communication terminals and any lab work associated with it. One of my current projects is an optical communication terminal on a drone to be able to communicate with a ground terminal. I love the research and development environment, as well as aerospace.
What excites me most about my work is the freedom to express my creativity in engineering and the ability to work with friendly, like-minded individuals. It is a great immersive environment and with state-of-the-art technology, there is always something new to learn.
What excites me most about my work is the freedom to express my creativity in engineering and the ability to work with friendly, like-minded individuals. It is a great immersive environment and with state-of-the-art technology, there is always something new to learn.
Tia Brittingham
ROC II Quality Assurance Analyst
NASA Wallops Flight Facility
NASA Wallops Flight Facility
Here at Relative Dynamics, I am a Quality Analyst. My responsibility is to perform audits for the Range Launches, Missions, Projects, and Service Areas to ensure that we are meeting our Customer Requirements and ISO Standards.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting in on the NG-18 Rocket Launch to the space center to refuel supplies there. I was sitting in the Range Control Center watching and listening to the launch sequence count down and experiencing the rocket launch up close. This was an amazing experience for me, and I do plan to sit in on more launches in the near future.
This year I will be conducting an audit on this Launch/Mission, and I am so excited to do so being that this was my first launch to space that I was able to see in person.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting in on the NG-18 Rocket Launch to the space center to refuel supplies there. I was sitting in the Range Control Center watching and listening to the launch sequence count down and experiencing the rocket launch up close. This was an amazing experience for me, and I do plan to sit in on more launches in the near future.
This year I will be conducting an audit on this Launch/Mission, and I am so excited to do so being that this was my first launch to space that I was able to see in person.
Kevin Heesh
Electro-Optical Engineer
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
At RD, I perform Optical and Fiber Optical system integration and testing, Optical Communication Terminal testing and integration, and Internal Research and Design for Compact Optical Laser Terminal (CoLT) UAV payload.
The diverse optical technical challenges is what attracted me to work at RD. Cutting edge optical technology and making things work keeps my work exciting.
The diverse optical technical challenges is what attracted me to work at RD. Cutting edge optical technology and making things work keeps my work exciting.
Dr. Michael Krainak
Chief Technology Officer
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
As Chief Technology Officer (CTO), I manage, develop and enhance the Internal Research & Development portfolio, people, projects, funding (won 10 SBIR grants > $3.5M), proposals, laboratories and equipment. Primary focus is the development of commercial optical communication terminals for use in terrestrial, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), High Altitude Platform (HAP) and satellite markets.
The type of work and opportunity to lead hardware product development efforts was one of the main attractions for me at RD.
The type of work and opportunity to lead hardware product development efforts was one of the main attractions for me at RD.
