—I—

NASA’s mission to pave the future of space exploration through 

innovations in science and technology is reflected in a balanced 

technology development and maturation program supported by 

all NASA Mission Directorates. Stimulating technology innovation 

through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business 

Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, NASA has empowered U.S. 

small businesses to make significant contributions to the future of 

space exploration. 

This technology investment portfolio highlights SBIR Phases I and 

II investments in antenna technology development for the Space 

Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD)/Human Exploration and 

Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) from 2005 to 2012. This 

report summarizes technology challenges addressed and advances 

made by the SBIR community in antenna technology. The goal of 

this document is to encourage program and project managers, 

stakeholders, and prime contractors to take advantage of these 

technology advancements to leverage their own efforts and to help 

facilitate infusion of technology advancements into future NASA 

projects. A description of NASA’s SBIR Program can be found at 

www.sbir.nasa.gov. 

Foreword
—II—

Small Business

Innovation Research
—III—

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program provides opportunities for 

small high-technology companies to participate in Government-sponsored research and 

development efforts in key technology areas of interest to NASA. The SBIR Program 

provides significant sources of seed funding to foster technology innovation. The SBIR 

Phase I contracts are awarded for 6 months with funding up to $125,000; Phase II 

contracts are awarded for 24 months with funding up to $750,000. 
—IV—

Human Exploration 
—V—

The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) is chartered with 

the development of core transportation elements, key systems, and enabling technologies 

required for beyond-low-Earth-orbit (LEO) human exploration that will provide the foundation 

for the next half-century of American leadership in space exploration.

This new space exploration era starts with increasingly challenging test missions in cislunar 

space, including flights to the Lagrange points, followed by human missions to near-Earth 

asteroids (NEAs), Moon, the moons of Mars, and Mars as part of a sustained journey of 

exploration in the inner solar system. HEOMD was formed in 2011 by combining the Space 

Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) and the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate 

(ESMD) to optimize the elements, systems, and technologies of the precursor directorates 

to the maximum extent possible. 

HEOMD mission goals include key technology developments in Space Communications 

and Navigation, Space Transportation, Human Research and Health Maintenance, Radiation 

Protection, Life Support and Habitation, High-Efficiency Space Power Systems, and Ground 

Processing/ISS Utilization. 

HEOMD looks forward to incorporating SBIR-developed technologies into current and 

future systems to contribute to the expansion of humanity across the solar system while 

providing continued cost-effective space access and operations for its customers, with a 

high standard of safety, reliability, and affordability. 

and

Operations Mission 

Directorate
—VI—

SCaN: Keeping the

SCaN Notional Integrated Network Architecture 
—VII—

Universe Connected

Program and Technology Development Overview

The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program resides within HEOMD and is responsible for the 

development of technologies and capabilities to support all current and future NASA missions. The SCaN Program 

provides the communication, navigation, and mission science data transfer services that are vital to the successful 

operation of NASA space flight missions. To accomplish this, SCaN operates three networks: the Deep Space 

Network (DSN), the Near Earth Network (NEN), and the Space Network (SN). Combined together, the services and 

network assets provide capabilities that enable space exploration for over 100 NASA and non-NASA missions. 

SCaN also provides scheduling services to new missions through Network Integration Management Office (NIMO) 

and Deep Space Network Commitment Office (DSNO). 

To accomplish the above, the SCaN Program’s vision is to build and maintain a scalable, integrated, mission support 

infrastructure that can evolve to accommodate new and changing technologies, while providing comprehensive, 

robust, cost-effective, and exponentially higher data rate services to enable NASA’s science and exploration 

missions. Today, NASA communication and navigation capabilities using radiofrequency technology can support 

spacecraft to the fringes of the solar system and beyond. The anticipated new missions for science and exploration 

of the universe are expected to challenge the current data rates of 300 Mbps in LEO and of 6 Mbps at Mars to rise 

significantly. The SCaN Program aims to 

•	 Develop a SCaN network infrastructure capable of meeting both robotic and human exploration mission needs.

•	 Evolve infrastructure to provide the highest data rates feasible.

•	 Develop internationally interoperable data communications protocols for space missions.

•	 Offer communications and navigation infrastructure for lunar and Mars surfaces.

•	 Offer communications and navigation services to enable lunar and Mars human missions.

SCaN technology development interests include optical communications, advanced antenna technology and Earth 

stations, cognitive networks, access links, reprogrammable communications systems, spacecraft positioning, 

navigation, and timing (PNT), and communications in support of launch services. Innovative solutions to operational 

issues are needed in all of the areas. Emphasis is placed on size, weight, and power improvements. All SBIR 

technologies developed under SCaN Topic area are aligned with the SCaN Program technical directions.

This document catalogs SCaN SBIR investments in Antenna Technology development from 2005 to 2012.
—VIII—

SBIR Phase I Awards
—IX—

Contents

Antenna Technology Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Antenna Technology

SBIR Phase I Awards (2005 to 2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Novel Deployable High-Frequency Antennas Using Composite Electrotextiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Infoscitex Corporation (2005)

A Printable Silicon Nano-Field Effect Transistor With High Operating Frequency for Large-Area Deployable Active

Phased-Array Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Omega Optics, Inc. (2005)

15- to 25-K Static-Helium Regenerator/Double Pulse Tube Cooler for Receiving Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Beck Engineering, Inc. (2005)

High-Gain, Very Low Areal Density, Scalable Space-Based Radiofrequency Apertures Enabled by Membrane

Aperture Shell Technology (MAST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mevicon, Inc. (2006)

Self-Erecting Communications Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (2006)

Lightweight Self-Correcting Inflatable/Rigidizable Space Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

L’Garde, Inc. (2006)

Surface Optimization Techniques for Deployable Reflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Composite Technology Development, Inc. (2007)

Printable Nano-Field Effect Transistors Combined With Carbon-Nanotube-Based Printable Interconnect Wires for

Large-Area Deployable Active Phased-Array Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Omega Optics, Inc. (2007)

Foamed Antenna Support for Very Large Apertures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Adherent Technologies, Inc. (2007)

Conformal Spacesuit Antenna Development for Enhanced Extravehicular Activity Communications and Wearable

Computer Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Applied EM, Inc. (2007)

Phase-Array Antenna With Adaptive Digital Signal Processor Beamforming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Nokomis, Inc. (2008)

Efficient Wearable Antennas for Astronaut Extravehicular Activity Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Pharad, LLC (2008)

Stress-Matched Radiofrequency and Thermal Control Coatings for Membrane Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Surface Optics Corporation (2009)

Affordable Unfurlable Fan-Fold Wrapable Reflector for Small and Large Apertures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Deployable Space Systems, Inc. (2009)

A Multiband Photonic Phased-Array Antenna for High-Data-Rate Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Crystal Research, Inc. (2009)

Optoelectronic Infrastructure for Radiofrequency/Optical Phased Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

ODIS, Inc. (2010)

Electronically Steerable Antennas With Panoramic Scan Field of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Freeform Wave Technologies, LLC (2010)
—X—

SBIR Phase II Awards
—XI—

Contents (Continued)

Antenna Technology Develpments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Antenna Technology

SBIR Phase II Awards (2005 to 2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Novel Deployable High-Frequency Antennas Using Composite Electrotextiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Infoscitex Corporation (2005)

Surface Optimization Techniques for Deployable Reflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Composite Technology Development, Inc. (2007)

Fully Printed Flexible 4-Bit Two-Dimensional (4x4) 16-Element Phased-Array Antenna for Lunar Surface

Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Omega Optics, Inc. (2007)

Foamed Antenna Support for Very Large Apertures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Adherent Technologies, Inc. (2007)

Conformal Spacesuit Antenna Development for Enhanced Extravehicular Activity Communications and Wearable

Computer Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Applied EM, Inc. (2007)

Stress-Matched Radiofrequency and Thermal Control Coatings for Membrane Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Surface Optics Corporation (2009)

A Multiband Photonic Phased-Array Antenna for High-Data-Rate Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Crystal Research, Inc. (2009)

Optoelectronic Infrastructure for Radiofrequency/Optical Phased Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

ODIS, Inc. (2010)

Company Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

SBIR Points of Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
—XII—

Antenna Technology
—1—

NASA seeks advanced antenna systems and technologies to enable communications for future space operations, 

space science, Earth science, and solar system exploration missions. These areas have been supported by the 

NASA SBIR Program. The requirements are summarized below.

Smart antennas,reconfigurable in frequency, polarization, and radiation pattern, are of interest for space and planetary exploration

missions. In particular, antenna designs and proof of concepts leading to the reduction of the number of antennas needed to

meet the communication requirements associated with rovers, pressurized surface vehicles, habitats, etc., are highly desired. In

addition to the aforementioned reconfigurability requirements, specific antenna features include multibeam operation to support

connectivity to different communication nodes on planetary surfaces, or in support of communication links for satellite relays

around planetary orbits. Innovative receiver front ends or technologies that allow for the digital signal processor (DSP) to move

closer to the antenna terminal furthering the impact of the aforementioned revolutionary “game-changing” antenna technology

concepts are highly desirable.

NASA is considering arrays of ground-based antennas to increase capacity and system flexibility, reduce reliance on large

antennas and high operating costs, and eliminate single point of failure of large antennas. A large number of smaller antennas

arrayed together results in a scalable, evolvable system, which enables a flexible schedule and support for more simultaneous

missions. A significant challenge is the implementation of an array for transmitting (uplinking), which may or may not use the

same antennas that are used for receiving. Arraying concepts that can enable technology standardization across each NASA

network (i.e., Deep Space Network (DSN), Near Earth Network (NEN), and Space Network (SN), within the framework of the newly

envisioned NASA integrated network architecture, at Ka-band frequencies and above, are highly desired.

High-performance phased-array antennas, that is, with efficiencies at least 3x that of state-of-practice Monolithic Microwave

Integrated Circuit (MMIC)-based phased arrays, are needed for high-data-rate communication at Ka-band frequencies and above

as well as for remote sensing applications. Communications applications include planetary exploration, landers, probes, rovers,

extravehicular activities (EVAs), suborbital vehicles, sounding rockets, balloons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Tracking and

Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) communication, and expendable launch vehicles (ELVs). Also of interest are multiband

phased-array antennas (e.g., X- and Ka-band) and radiofrequency (RF)/optical shared aperture dual-use antennas, which can

dynamically reconfigure active elements in order to operate in either band as required to maximize flexibility and efficiency and

minimize the mass of hardware delivered to space. Phased-array antennas for space-based range applications to accommodate

dynamic maneuvers are also of interest. The arrays are required to be aerodynamic or conformal in shape for sounding rockets,

UAVs, and expendable platforms and must be able to withstand the launch environment. Potential remote sensing applications

include radiometers, passive radar interferometer platforms, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) platforms for planetary science.

Large aperture deployable antennas with surface root-mean-square (rms) quality better than λ/40 at Ka-band frequencies and

above are desired. In addition, these antennas should significantly reduce stowage volume (packaging efficiencies as high as

50:1), provide high deployment reliability, and significantly reduced mass density (i.e., <1 kg/m2). These large Gossamer-like

antennas are required to provide high-capacity communication links with low fabrication costs from deep space (Mars and

beyond). Concepts addressing antenna adaptive beam correction with pointing control are also of interest.

Typically, the Phase I deliverables are based on research to identify and evaluate candidate telecommunications technology

applications to demonstrate the technical feasibility and to show a path towards a hardware/software demonstration. Bench- or

lab-level demonstrations are desirable.

For the Phase II deliverables, emphasis is placed on developing and demonstrating the technology under simulated flight

conditions. The effort should outline a path showing how the technology could be developed into spaceworthy systems. The SBIR

contract should deliver a demonstration unit for functional and environmental testing at the completion of the Phase II period of

performance.
—2—
—3—

Antenna Technology

SBIR Phase I Awards

2005 to 2012
—4—

Novel Deployable High-Frequency Antennas Using Composite 

Electrotextiles

Infoscitex Corporation

2005 Phase I

O1.04-7826

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 NASA and the Air Force need new

deployable technologies that can meet

the Ka-band communication needs of the

next-generation space vehicles

•	 Infoscitex Corporation’s (IST’s) new

electrotextile composite approach has

the potential to significantly reduce the

weight of antenna and the necessary

backup structure

•	 Lightweight composite deployable

structures with novel involute backing

structure can provide a new approach to

reaching the antenna areal weight goal

of 1 kg/m2

Technical Objectives

•	 Develop process to produce and weave or knit coated fibers into

high-accuracy tight-spacing mesh

•	 Produce sample mesh prototypes with two or more thermoplastic

mesh locking approaches in preparation for passive intermodulation

(PIM) testing

•	 Evaluate the structural, reflectivity, and PIM characteristics of the

prototype meshes and downselect best performing mesh for Phase II

antenna prototype

•	 Design involute shape backing structure given the downselected

mesh properties and criteria for Ka-band operating frequency

(conductor spacing, maximum acceptable surface deviation from

ideal parabola, signal gain, etc.)

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

•	 Ultralightweight, multifunctional durable spacecraft antenna

structures

•	 Flexible lightweight durable antennas for wireless technologies like

cellular phones, Global Positioning System (GPS), Bluetooth, and WiFi
—5—

A Printable Silicon Nano-Field Effect Transistor with High 

Operating Frequency for Large-Area Deployable Active 

Phased-Array Antennas

Omega Optics, Inc.

2005 Phase I

O1.04-7905

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Flexible electronic circuits are highly desired

in NASA’s space radar systems due to their

easy integration with large-area inflatable

antennas. Existing flexible electronics have an

intrinsic low switching frequency due to their

low carrier mobility. The proposed research

aims to develop a printable silicon nano-FET

with high carriermobility of over 400 cm2/(V·s),

which allows us to achieve multi-gigahertz

operating frequency. Successfully developing

the proposed research is expected to provide

an enabling technology for high-speed flexible

electronics that can be integrated with largearea, inflatable radar antennas and provide

distributed system control, signal processing,

and dynamic antenna subarraying, and gain

pattern reconfiguration functions.

Technical Objectives

•	 Develop and characterize the printable silicon nano-field effect

transistor (nano-FET )

•	 Develop a preliminary digital phase shifter for active phased-array

antennas (PAAs)

•	 Demonstrate the monolithic integration of flexible electronics with

large-area and deployable active PAA

NASA Applications

•	 L-band active PAA

•	 Smart antenna for adaptive and reliable radiofrequency (RF)

communication

•	 Multiband frequency agile RF radar systems

Non-NASA Applications

•	 RF identification tags, electronic paper

•	 Smart cards

•	 Large-area flat panel displays
—6—

15- to 25-K Static-Helium Regenerator/Double Pulse Tube 

Cooler for Receiving Arrays

Beck Engineering, Inc.

2005 Phase I

O1.05-9818

Technical Objectives

•	 Project the size, mass, and performance of a 15 to 25 K SHR/DPTC

NASA Applications

•	 Coolers for receiving arrays of ground-based antennas

•	 Coolers for the Next Generation Telescope (NGST) and the Terrestrial

Planet Finder (TPF) missions

•	 Coolers for the structure and evolution of the universe theme

•	 Coolers to liquefy and/or store cryogens for human and robotic

missions to Mars

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Air Force coolers for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems

•	 Air Force coolers for very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR) focal

planes

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

NASA needs a cryogenic refrigerator for

the 15 to 25 K range for receiving arrays

of ground-based antennas that will serve

the telecommunications needs of future

space exploration.

We propose to develop a 15 to 25 K StaticHelium Regenerator (SHR)/Double Pulse

Tube Cooler (DPTC) that uses two of our

technologies to enable efficient operation

at cold temperatures:

•	 SHR can store more heat at cold

temperatures than regenerators made

from solid materials (e.g., Er50Pr50 or

stainless steel)

•	 DPTC technology uses a recuperator,

which can operate efficiently at cold

temperatures
—7—

High-Gain, Very Low Areal Density, Scalable Space-Based 

Radiofrequency Apertures Enabled by Membrane Aperture 

Shell Technology (MAST)

Mevicon, Inc.

2006 Phase I

O1.04-9426

Technical Objectives

•	 Establish target application, operational scenarios, and system

architecture approach

•	 Demonstrate shell segment fabrication and radiofrequency (RF)

performance

•	 Demonstrate, with hardware, that suitable stowage and deployment

scalability paths exist

•	 Evaluate stowage, launch, and operational environment survival margins

•	 Develop point design and advance documented technology readiness

level (TRL)

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

RF communications

•	 RF communications relay orbital assets

•	 Military and commercial space telecom apertures

•	 High-gain planetary links, point-to-point, long-haul wireless, ground

station uplink, and direct to Earth (backup)

•	 Terrestrial: transportable emergency/remote location very-smallaperture terminal (VSAT) apertures and compact test range subreflectors

•	 Synergies to Space Science Applications

•	 Large apertures (RF, mm wave, IR (far, middle, near) science)

•	 Precision apertures (incoherent coherent LIDAR, spectroscopy, and

visible)

Other Exploration/Operational Applications

•	 Solar concentrators for power (solar dynamic), propulsion (SOTV and

STP)

•	 Sun shields (large RF to deep space IR telescopes), occulters, solar sail.

Note: All application areas are dual/multiuse, supporting potential NASA,

Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial space applications.

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Theproposedinnovationis thedevelopment/

demonstration of methods to scale of

Membrane Aperture Shell Technology

(MAST) to provide path for 10- to 20-m

diameter space-based RF communications

apertures. Advantages/significance of the

technology include

•	 Compactly stowable, passively selfdeploying, self rigidizing, and good

surface figure segments (should

support Ka+ bands)

•	 Ability to fabricate hexagons provides

many scalability paths to large outer

diameter (OD)

•	 Based on space-qualified material/

coating thin films

•	 Demonstrated RF reflectivity

•	 Structural stiffness derived from

permanent curvature

•	 Larger apertures provide increased

gain, better communications

bandwidth, longer range, and/or

reduced power usage

•	 Lower areal density and thus less

mass/inertia loading
—8—

Self-Erecting Communications Infrastructure

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.

2006 Phase I

O1.04-9591

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 Large-scale, reconfigurable composite

structures

•	 Low-mass and volume packaging

•	 Self-erecting, payload-lifting

composite tower

•	 Large-area coverage

– Increases point-to-point range

– Reduces power requirements

– Minimizes number of nodes

Technical Objectives

•	 Identify best reconfigurable beam design

•	 Demonstrate mechanical beam reconfiguration system

•	 Develop first-generation tower design

NASA Applications

•	 Enhanced networked communication performance

•	 Basic self-erecting infrastructure

•	 Low-packing volume basic structures for shipping

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Disaster relief emergency infrastructure

•	 Affordable laborless cellular telephone towers

•	 Self-erecting bridges
—9—

LightWeight Self-Correcting Inflatable/Rigidizable Space 

Antennas

L’Garde, Inc.

2006 Phase I

O1.04-9843

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 lnflatable-rigidizable large apertures

in space offer low-weight and lowcost alternatives to rigid mechanical

deployables—no makeup gas necessary

•	 Antenna surface distortions on-orbit to

be compensated for by a real-time RF

distortion-compensation using phasedarray feed system

•	 20-m-class aperture diameter or greater

easily achievable with technology

Technical Objectives

•	 Carry out concept design of accurate, long-lived lightweight

inflatable-rigidizable space antenna

•	 Calculate resulting shapes of “distorted” antenna reflector surface

due to manufacturing and on-orbit error sources

•	 Identify, assess, and quantity feasibility of applying specific

candidate distortion-compensation mechanisms/algorithms to

inflatable-rigidizable antennas to increase operating frequency

•	 Use the”distorted” antenna reflector shapes and apply the

compensation system to predict antenna performance

•	 Plan Phase II radiofrequency (RF) test and validation on a subscale

inflatable-rigidizable antenna reflector

NASA Applications

•	 NASA space science missions and communications from outer

planets to NASA terrestrial facilities and/or Earth orbits

Non-NASA Applications

•	 High data throughput applications when ease and cost of

transporting large apertures is of prime importance such as during

natural or manmade disasters in a combat theater
—10—

Surface Optimization Techniques for Deployable Reflectors

Composite Technology Development, Inc.

2007 Phase I

O1.04-8808

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 Develop methods for optimizing the

surface contour of solid-surface

deployable reflectors

•	 Development of built-in tuning

adjustors

•	 Enables deployable reflectors that are

capable of both high-gain (due to large

aperture) and high-frequency (due to

precision solid-surface) operation

•	 Composite solid-surface reflector

low-cost and near-zero coefficient of

thermal expansion (CTE)

Technical Objectives

•	 Identify baseline reflector application and define tuning requirements

•	 Design engineering unit with tuning adjustors and validate tuning

influence with structural analysis

•	 Fabricate engineering unit with existing solid surface deployable

reflector shell

•	 Demonstrate surface optimization using tuning adjustors

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

•	 Next Generation DSN/TDRS

•	 Harris Corp.: 20M Mars Comm System

•	 Boeing: Lunar TDRS/DSN

•	 Radar/radiofrequency (RF) payload for Department of Defense (DoD)

TacSats

•	 Commercial communication payloads
—11—

 Printable Nano-Field Effect Transistors Combined with 

Carbon-Nanotube-Based Printable Interconnect Wires for 

Large-Area Deployable Active Phased-Array Antennas

Omega Optics, Inc.

2007 Phase I

O1.04-8886

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Flexible electronic circuits are highly

desired in NASA’s space radar systems

due to their easy integration with large

area inflatable antennas. Existing flexible

electronics have an intrinsic low switching

frequency due to their low carrier mobility.

The proposed research aims to develop a

printable silicon nano-FET with high carrier

mobility of over 400 cm2/(V·s),which allows

us to achieve multi-gigahertz operating

frequency. We also propose the printing of

conducting interconnect wires using carbon

nanotubes. Based on our past experience

on printable silicon nano-FET and printable

carbon nanotube wires, the high-speed

flexible electronics are expected to be

integrated with large-area, inflatable radar

antennas and achieve smart antenna

systems for high performance and reliable

space operations.

Technical Objectives

•	 Develop and characterize the printable silicon nano-field effect

transistor (nano-FET)

•	 Develop and characterize the printable carbon nanotube

interconnect wires

•	 Demonstrate the integrated printable nano-FET network for active

phased-array antenna

NASA Applications

•	 Active, multiband phased-array radar systems

•	 Advanced navigation and communication, including basic mission

support and high bandwidth demand, to implement the vision of

going back to Moon by 2020

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Radiofrequency (RF) identification tags and electronic paper

•	 Smart cards

•	 Large-area flat panel displays
—12—

Foamed Antenna Support for Very Large Apertures

Adherent Technologies, Inc.

2007 Phase I

O1.04-9130

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 Very large aperture antennas require

low areal weight support

•	 Wire mesh too heavy and membrane

with inflated support not damage

tolerant and subject to shape

fluctuations

•	 New support structure needed

Solution: rigidized inflatable with foam core

for stability and damage tolerance

Technical Objectives

•	 Develop rigidized inflatable as mold for core

•	 Demonstrate foam can be used to fill mold for antenna stabilization

NASA Applications

•	 Large aperture antennas for deep space communication

Non-NASA Applications

•	 All commercial and military communication satellites
—13—

 Conformal SpaceSuit Antenna Development for Enhanced 

Extravehicular Activity Communications and Wearable 

Computer Applications

Applied EM, Inc.

2007 Phase I

O1.04-9232

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

As NASA prepares for future space missions

and return to the Moon by 2020, astronauts

will be required to spend more time exposed

to the hazards of EVA. Providing reliable

communications during EVA operations is

imperative not only to relay progress but

also to monitor the health and ability of the

astronaut. In order to improve space-tospace communications, Applied EM, Inc., is

developing conformal, body-worn antennas

that will be integrated into spacesuit designs

to enhance EVA operations. Included in these

developments are wireless antennas for

wearable computers.

Technical Objectives

•	 Design and develop conformal spacesuit (body-worn) antennas for

enhanced communications during extravehicular activity (EVA)

•	 Develop fabrication methods for body-worn antennas that use

conductive textile, polymer coatings, and wiring methods

•	 Develop methods to integrate body-worn antennas into the 11 plies

of the current spacesuit designs

•	 Provide electromagnetic (EM) simulations and performance of

antenna designs

NASA Applications

•	 Conformal astronaut (body-worn) antennas for spacesuit EVA

operations

•	 Antennas for wireless access points for wearable computer designs

for astronauts

•	 New spacesuit designs using novel integrated antenna systems

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Body-worn antennas for Warfighter Department of Defense (DoD)

applications

•	 Commercial applications using body-worn antennas for new suit and

uniform designs requiring communications
—14—

Phase-Array Antenna with Adaptive Digital Signal Processor 

Beamforming

Nokomis, Inc.

2008 Phase I

O1.02-8858

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 Digital signal processor (DSP)

beamforming for commercial cellular

applications has improved signalto-noise ratio by pointing the main

beam toward the signal of interest.

To extend this advantage to wideband

communication systems, conformal

adaptive beamforming antennas are

needed.

•	 The need for an adaptive antenna array

in space for varying temperature and

vibration can also be met with DSP

control.

•	 Efficiency and sensitivity are improved

by integration of electronics and the

simplification of antenna feed system

leading to more focus on conformal

antenna array optimization.

•	 An adaptive array is necessary for

beamforming over an extended

frequency band.

Technical Objectives

•	 High gain and low relative side lobe level for a small array

•	 Up to 500 MHz bandwidth for an S-band array for communications

and data systems

•	 Self calibrating for phase drift due to cable movement and

temperature shift

•	 Wide field of view to accommodate mobility of small space vehicles

NASA Applications

•	 Radiofrequency (RF) communications

•	 Architectures and networks

•	 Guidance, navigation, and control

•	 Telemetry, tracking, and control

•	 Airport infrastructure and safety

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Cellular base stations

•	 Airliner cellular base stations

•	 WiFi remote access

•	 Satellite telephones
—15—

Efficient Wearable Antennas for Astronaut Extravehicular 

Activity Communications

Pharad, LLC

2008 Phase I

O1.02-9948

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 We are creating a new class of small,

highly efficient body-wearable antenna

platforms that can be integrated

directly into astronaut EMU suits for RF

communications.

•	 Our technique combines new small

uniplanar antennas based on slow

wave engineering (SWE) techniques

and electrically small electromagnetic

bandgap (EBG) structures with diversity

schemes to yield compact, efficient

radiating solutions.

•	 The innovation will provide an

unobtrusive high-performance radiating

platform that will greatly improve

astronaut EVA communications.

Technical Objectives

•	 The overall objective is to create an unobtrusive body-wearable

antenna platform for astronaut radiofrequency (RF) communications.

•	 Throughout this project, proof-of-concept versions of the new

concepts will be developed and tested.

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

•	 Improved performance of space RF communication systems

operating in the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) band as well as other

higher frequencies

•	 Astronaut Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) suits with directly

integrated small, highly efficient body-wearable radiators

•	 Body-worn antennas for U.S. Army soldiers

•	 Hands-free, unobtrusive communication systems for first

responders, fire fighters, and emergency personnel

•	 Multifunction body-wearable radiators for commercial wireless

communications (UHF, Global Positioning System (GPS), WLAN)
—16—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Polymer membrane technologies offer the

greatest promise of meeting future large

antenna requirements, while significantly

reducing system mass and launch volume.

Recent advances in polymer film materials

must be matched by advances in the

coatings that provide the RF and thermal

performance in a space environment.

Surface Optics Corporation (SOC) will

develop a coating process that results in

a membrane/coating material with zero

coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).

Results in thermally stable membrane

antennae.

Technical Objectives

•	 Employ stress tuning deposition techniques to deposit Al/Si02

coatings

•	 Tailor coating/membrane properties to achieve zero CTE

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

•	 Commercial, NASA, and Department of Defense (DoD) RF

communication antennae

•	 NASA instruments for Earth and space science

Stress-Matched Radiofrequency and Thermal Control 

Coatings for Membrane Antennas

Surface Optics Corporation

2009 Phase I

O1.02-8188
—17—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Mission-enabling compared to current state

of the art

•	 Ultralightweight (projected <0.32 kg/rn2

areal mass)

•	 Compact stowage volume (>53:1

compaction ratio)

•	 High-heritage/reliable deployment

mechanization

•	 Functional deployment capability in 1 g

•	 Low thermal distortion

•	 High stiffness

•	 Expandable to large apertures (3 m to

50 m+ diameter)

•	 Affordable

•	 RF performance over wide frequency (L,

X, Ku, and Ka)

Technical Objectives

•	 Establish concept feasibility of an optimized fan-fold-wrap reflector

technology and demonstrate technology readiness level (TRL) 3/4

•	 Establish concept feasibility and TRL 3/4 through requirements

definition, detailed design and development efforts, analytical

modeling activities (including structural, thermal, mass properties,

and surface accuracy), and proof-of-concept hardware

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

•	 Technology infusion identified for many NASA and non-NASA

missions

•	 Applicable opportunities: geostationary orbit (GEO), low Earth orbit

(LEO), and medium Earth orbit (MEO), interplanetary, and lunar/

planetary surface lander communications missions

•	 Technology viable to all Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, civilian,

and prime contractor end users as a direct replacement for current

state-of-the-art reflector technologies used in marketplace

•	 Nonspace applications include fixed, mobile, and deployable groundbased communications or optical reflectors to support renewable

energy photovoltaic concentrator systems

Affordable Unfurlable Fan-Fold Wrapable Reflector for 

Small and Large Apertures

Deployable Space Systems, Inc.

2009 Phase I

O1.02-8308
—18—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Crystal Research, Inc., proposes

to develop a multiband photonicantenna-based on a high-speed

optical true-time-delay beamformer,

capable of simultaneously steering

multiple independent radiofrequency

(RF) beams in less than 300 ns. Such

a high steering speed is 3 orders

of magnitude faster than any other

existing optical beamformers. Unlike

other approaches, the proposed

technology uses a single controlling

device per operation band, which

eliminates the need for massive

optical switches, laser diodes, and

fiber Bragg gratings.

Technical Objectives

The objective of the proposed Phase Iwork is to demonstrate the feasibility

and advantages of a multi-band photonic phased array antenna using an

innovative high-speed electro-optic beamformer.

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

The multi-band photonic phased array antenna can be used for NASA

(1) high-data rate communication and (2) remote sensing applications.

Potential communications applications include lunar and planetary

exploration and Lunar Relay Satellites. Potential remote sensing

applications include: synthetic aperture radar (SAR) platforms for

planetary science. It is also an important step towards continued

commercialization of low cost phased array antennas for mobile satellite

communications applications.

A Multiband Photonic Phased-Array Antenna for High-DatARate Communication

Crystal Research, Inc.

2009 Phase I

O1.02-9839
—19—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 Optoelectronic integration enables

co-location of RF and optically emitting

devices

•	 Compact Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting

Laser (VCSEL) structure enables

coherent beams and phase modulators

enable beam steering

•	 Optical distribution of RF and optical

beam control

•	 Integrated true time delay for RF beam

control

Technical Objectives

•	 Demonstrate feasibility of combining radiofrequency (RF) and optical

emission from a single aperture

•	 Demonstrate feasibility of optical control of RF power and beam

direction

•	 Demonstrate two-dimensional optical beam emission and phase

modulators for beam steering

NASA Applications

•	 Satellite sensors in the Ka- and Ku-band for surface object

characterization

•	 POET circuits for laser and RF communications, internal satellite

networking, RF photonics and AD conversion, and high-speed

systems

•	 POET imaging devices for longwave infrared (LWIR) THz

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Data comm, FTTH, LANS, active optical cables, and high-speed

servers

•	 Digital signal processors (DSPs) and FPAs

Optoelectronic Infrastructure for Radiofrequency/Optical 

Phased Arrays

ODIS, Inc.

2010 Phase I

O1.01-9727
—20—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Electronically steerable antennas (ESAs)

are key to effective radio transmission at

millimeter-wave frequencies. To enable

communication with rovers, robots,

extravehicular activity (EVA) astronauts,

and other mobile surface assets in

planetary explorations, ESAs must be

capable of 360-degree azimuth scan, and

in some cases, multiple independently

steerable beams. The proposed research

aims to develop a passive ESA technology

with these capabilities to address NASA’s

communication and navigation needs at

K and Ka frequency bands. Compared to

phased arrays, the proposed approach

leads to dramatically smaller and lighter

ESA solutions that are ideal for low-power

mobile and deployable radio platforms.

Technical Objectives

•	 Design, characterize, and optimize miniature passive beamforming

networks based on metamaterial techniques

•	 Investigate switch technologies

•	 Investigate generalizations of the proposed method for twodimensional beam steering

NASA Applications

•	 Rovers, robots, mobile habitats, and science instruments

•	 Lunar communication terminal(s) and base stations

•	 EVA suit (helmet)

•	 Radar navigation for highly maneuverable platforms

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Helicopter landing aid Department of Defense (DoD)

•	 Automotive radars

•	 60-GHz communication radios

Electronically Steerable Antennas with Panoramic Scan

Field of View

Freeform Wave Technologies, LLC

2010 Phase I

O1.01-9815
—21—

Antenna Technology

SBIR Phase II Awards

2005 to 2012
—22—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 NASA and the Air Force need new

deployable technologies that can meet

the Ka-band communication needs of

the next-generation space vehicles

•	 Infoscitex Corporation’s (IST’s) new

electrotextile composite approach has

the potential to significantly reduce the

weight of antenna and the necessary

backup structure

•	 Lightweight composite deployable

structures with novel involute backing

structure can provide a new approach

to reaching the antenna areal weight

goal of 1 kg/m2

Technical Objectives

•	 Develop process to produce and weave or knit coated fibers into

high-accuracy tight-spacing mesh

•	 Produce sample mesh prototypes with two or more thermoplastic

mesh locking approaches in preparation for passive intermodulation

(PIM) testing

•	 Evaluate the structural, reflectivity, and PIM characteristics of the

prototype meshes and downselect best performing mesh for Phase II

antenna prototype

•	 Design involute shape backing structure given the downselected

mesh properties and criteria for Ka-band operating frequency

(conductor spacing, maximum acceptable surface deviation from

ideal parabola, signal gain, etc.)

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

•	 Ultralightweight, multifunctional durable spacecraft antenna

structures

•	 Flexible lightweight durable antennas for wireless technologies such

as cellular phones, Global Positioning System (GPS), Bluetooth, and

WiFi

Novel Deployable High-Frequency Antennas Using Composite 

ElectroTextiles

Infoscitex Corporation

2005 Phase II

O1.04-7826
—23—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Shape memory composites enable nextgeneration deployable antenna technologies

•	 4- to 6-m solid surface deployable

reflectors

•	 Tunable to high-frequency deployable

communications and RADAR (> Ka band)

•	 Low-cost, low-risk, 9-month delivery

Technical Objectives

•	 Assembled 4-m-offset-shaped engineering design unit (EDU) with

– Deployable backing structure

– Surface tuning hardware

•	 Packaging and gravity off-loading and tuning hardware validation

•	 System-level testing to be performed in June/July

– RF testing to Ka-band

– Stowage/deployment

Proposed Phase-2E Effort: Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 

to 5

•	 System-level design for Advanced Colloids Experiment (ACE) mission

(NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

•	 Upgrade EDU to flight-representative (i.e., thermally stable) materials

•	 Validate that surface optimization is maintained through systemlevel thermal distortion testing

 Surface Optimization Techniques for Deployable Reflectors

Composite Technology Development, Inc.

2007 Phase II

O1.04-8808
—24—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

NASA’s future exploration missions focus on

the manned exploration of the Moon, Mars,

and beyond, which will rely heavily on the

development of a reliable communications

infrastructure from planetary surfaceto-surface, surface-to-orbit, and back

to Earth. Flexible antennas are highly

desired in many scenarios. Existing flexible

electronics have an intrinsic low switching

frequency due to their low carrier mobility.

The carbon nanotube (CNT) network in

solution we used has carrier mobility as

high as 46,770 cm2/ (V·s), and a large

current-density carrying capacity of ~1000

mA/cm2, corresponding to a high carrying

power of over 2000 mW/cm2. Such high

carrier mobility and large current carrying

capacity allow us to achieve high-speed

(>100 GHz), high-power flexible electronic

circuits and antennas. A prototype of a fully

printed 4-bit two-dimensional 16-element

phased-array antenna on flexible substrate

such as Kapton, including field-effecttransistor- (FET-) based T/R module and

phase shifters will be developed. The

printing technology and high-speed

electronics will enable active phased-array

antenna (PAA) deployment for NASA’s lunar

mission, including pressurized rovers,

pressurized habitats, surface navigation,

extravehicular activities (EVA), etc.

Technical Objectives

•	 Develop fully printable 4-bit two-dimensional (4x4) 16-element PAAs

at S-band for lunar communications

•	 Develop the fully printable integrated circuit technology and multilayer printing and interconnection technology on flexible substrates

•	 Develop the T/R module including phase shifters and amplifiers

•	 Develop a prototype of the fully printed PAA, and perform reliability

tests

NASA Applications

•	 Lunar local communication networks at ultrahigh frequency (UHF)/L/

S/C bands

•	 “Stick-on” spacesuit for human EVA

•	 Large inflatable PAA

•	 High-power electronics/antenna

Non-NASA Applications

•	 RF identification tags, sensors

•	 Smart cards, electronic paper

•	 Large-area flat panel displays

Fully Printed Flexible 4-Bit Two-Dimensional (4x4) 16-Element 

Phased-Array Antenna for Lunar Surface Communications

Omega Optics, Inc.

2007 Phase II

O1.04-8886
—25—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 Foaming in vacuum technology

•	 Enables in-space production of

lightweight foams to stabilize inflatable

structures

•	 Makes 1-kg/m3 areal density large

aperture antennas possible

Technical Objectives

To optimize the foam technology developed in Phase I to produce a

functional 3-m antenna for the Ka band. Towards this goal, Adherent

Technologies, Inc., will team with ILC Dover and Applied EM.

NASA Applications

•	 Very large aperture antennas for interplanetary relays

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Very lightweight shelters for semipermanent installation in both

emergency management and military applications

 Foamed Antenna Support for Very Large Apertures

Adherent Technologies, Inc.

2007 Phase II

O1.04-9130
—26—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

As NASA prepares for future space

missions and to return to the Moon by

2020, astronauts will be required to

spend more time exposed to the hazards

of extravehicular activity (EVA). Providing

reliable communications during EVA

operations is imperative not only to relay

progress but also to monitor the health

and ability of the astronaut. In order to

improve space-to-space communications,

Applied EM, Inc., will apply Phase I

conformal, body-worn antenna designs,

which were evaluated during nearfield tests to demonstrate applicability

for current Extravehicular Mobility Unit

(EMU) and future Constellation spacesuit

systems. Included in these developments

are wireless antennas for wearable

computers.

Technical Objectives

•	 Apply Phase I conformal spacesuit (body-worn) antenna designs for

enhanced communications during EVA

•	 Develop fabrication methods for conformal spacesuit antennas using

advanced polymer dielectric and conductive coatings and wiring

methods

•	 Develop methods to integrate conformal body-worn antennas into

current EMU spacesuits and possible future Constellation spacesuit

mission applications

•	 Provide EM performance simulations of antenna designs

NASA Applications

•	 Conformal astronaut (body-worn) antennas for spacesuit EVA

operations

•	 Antennas for wireless access points for wearable computer designs

for astronauts

•	 New spacesuit designs using novel integrated antenna systems

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Body-worn antennas for Warfighter Department of Defense (DoD)

applications

•	 Commercial applications using body-worn antennas for protective

clothing such as chem-bio, fire retardant, ballistic protection, and

athletic clothing

Conformal SpaceSuit Antenna Development for Enhanced 

Extravehicular Activity Communications and Wearable 

Computer Applications

Applied EM, Inc.

2007 Phase II

O1.04-9232
—27—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Development of multimeter diameter RF

antennas is a current area of research for

NASA and DoD. In Phase I Surface Optics

Corporation investigated, in coordination

with NeXolve, Al coatings (using stenciltype masking) on a variety of low CTE

polymeric materials for evaluation for

electrical deflection, low stress, low solar

absorption, and high emissivity. The new

coatings exhibited significant positive

results in the preliminary testing.

Technical Objectives

•	 Develop coating that closely matches stress with coefficient of

thermal expansion (CTE) of selected polymer; good adhesion; and

thermally stable in space

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

•	 NASA radiofrequency (RF) communication antennas for space

applications

•	 Department of Defense (DoD) programs using large area polymeric

antennas

 Stress-Matched RAdiofrequency and Thermal Control 

Coatings for Membrane Antennas

Surface Optics Corporation

2009 Phase II

O1.02-8188
—28—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

Crystal Research,Inc.,proposes to develop a

multibandphotonicantennabasedonahighspeed optical true-time-delay beamformer,

capable of simultaneously steering multiple

independent radiofrequency (RF) beams in

less than 1000 ns. Such a high steering

speed is 3 orders of magnitude faster than

any other existing optical beamformers.

Unlike other approaches, the proposed

technology uses a single controlling device

per operation band, which eliminates the

need for massive optical switches, laser

diodes, and fiber Bragg gratings.

Technical Objectives

The primary objective is to fabricate a multiband photonic phased-array

antenna, which can be transitioned into NASA applications.

NASA and Non-NASA Applications

The multiband photonic phased-array antenna can be used for NASA

(1) high-data rate communication and (2) remote sensing applications.

Potential communications applications include lunar and planetary

explorationandlunarrelay satellites.Potentialremotesensingapplications

include synthetic aperture radar (SAR) platforms for planetary science.

It is also an important step towards continued commercialization of

low-cost phased-array antennas for mobile satellite communications

applications.

A MultiBand Photonic Phased-Array Antenna for High-DataRate Communication

Crystal Research, Inc.

2009 Phase II

O1.02-9839
—29—

Identification and Significance of 

Innovation

•	 Optoelectronic integration enables

co-location of RF and optically emitting

devices in array formats

•	 Planar Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting

Laser (VCSEL) structure enables

antiguiding to produce coherent optical

beams

•	 Beam steering of supermodes by

current control in X-Y array

•	 Optical distribution of RF by

photodetector conversion

•	 RF generation by optoelectronic

oscillator in a PLL with RF photonic

filtering of required harmonic

•	 Optical remoting of return signal

•	 True time delay by differential group

delay for RF beam steering

•	 POET is a broad integration platform for

multiple NASA applications

Technical Objectives

•	 Demonstrate feasibility of combining radiofrequency (RF) and optical

emission from a single aperture

•	 Demonstrate generation of low phase noise RF using an

optoelectronic oscillator

•	 Demonstrate true time delay RF array steering using microresonators to produce differential group delay

•	 Demonstrate feasibility of optical distribution of RF power and

optoelectronic control of beam direction

•	 Demonstrate two-dimensional optical beam steering from coherent

array by current control

•	 Prove viability of optoelectronic architecture for RF/optical cell

NASA Applications

•	 Satellite sensors in the Ka- and Ku-band for surface object

characterization

•	 POET circuits for laser and RF communications, internal satellite

networking, RF photonics and AD conversion, and high-speed

systems

•	 POET imaging devices for longwave infrared (LWIR) THz

Non-NASA Applications

•	 Data comm, FTTH, LANS, active optical cables, and high-speed

servers

•	 Digital signal processors (DSPs) and FPAs

Optoelectronic Infrastructure for Radiofrequency/Optical 

Phased Arrays

ODIS, Inc.

2010 Phase II

O1.01-9727
—30—
—31—

Adherent Technologies, Inc., Albuquerque, NM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 25

Applied EM, Inc., Hampton, VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 26

Beck Engineering, Inc., Gig Harbor, WA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Composite Technology Development, Inc., Lafayette, CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 23

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc., Dayton, OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Crystal Research, Inc., Fremont, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 28

Deployable Space Systems, Inc., Solvang, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Freeform Wave Technologies, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Infoscitex Corporation, Waltham, MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 22

L’Garde, Inc., Tustin, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mevicon, Inc., Palo Alto, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Nokomis, Inc., Charleroi, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ODIS, Inc., Mansfield, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 29

Omega Optics, Inc., Austin, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 11, 24

Pharad, LLC, Glen Burnie, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Surface Optics Corporation, San Diego, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 27

Company Names
James D. Stegeman

Technology Manager

Space Communications and Navigation Program

NASA Glenn Research Center

M.S. 142–2

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

Telephone: 216–433–3389

E-mail: James.D.Stegeman@nasa.gov

Afroz J. Zaman

NASA Glenn Research Center

M.S. 54–1

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

Telephone: 216–433–3415

E-mail: Afroz.J.Zaman@nasa.gov

PS–01210–0414

SBIR

Points of Contact

—32—