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Tethers Unlimited Gains Contract to Develop CubeSat-to-Handheld Comm System
Bothell, Wash. -– The Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) has awarded Tethers Unlimited, Inc. (TUI) a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to complete development of a communications system that will enable CubeSats to communicate directly with handheld radios used by Army troops.
TUI’s “SWIFT-TacSATCOM” system combines a frequency-agile software defined radio with novel deployable antennas to enable these tiny, low-power, low-cost spacecraft to support soldiers in the field by providing real-time access to mission critical data and communications.
“The SWIFT-TacSATCOM radio system will enable spacecraft that are smaller than a loaf of bread and cost less than a million dollars each to perform critical communications tasks that currently require large satellites costing hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Dr. Rob Hoyt, TUI’s CEO and Chief Scientist.
TUI’s SWIFT software defined radio platform allows the radio frequency to be readily adjusted, enabling the user to set the radio frequencies just prior to launch or even during on-orbit operations.. “The frequency agility of the SWIFT radios makes them perfect for responsive missions, where frequency allocations may be determined only hours before launch,” said Nestor Voronka, TUI’s Chief Technologist.
About Tethers Unlimited, Inc.
Tethers Unlimited, Inc. develops innovative technologies to enable transformative capabilities and dramatic cost savings for missions in Space, Sea, Earth, and Air. Its technology portfolio includes advanced space propulsion systems, high-performance components for nanosatellites, frequency-agile satellite communications systems based upon software defined radios, and methods for additive manufacturing of multifunctional spacecraft structures. To learn more about TUI and its products, please visit www.tethers.com.
Source: http://moonandback.com/2013/11/06/tethers-unlimited-gains-contract-to-develop-cubesat-to-handheld-comm-system/
