Astrogate Labs is enabling high-speed communications for smallsat’s with its proprietary optical communication solutions. Our small-sat optical terminals offers simplified communication solutions at the lowest cost per bandwidth. The terminals will be flight qualified in 2020 followed by a ground optical network. Small-sat operators can utilize Astrogate’s flight communication terminals as a COTS unit and subscribe to a ground communication plan for a full turn-key solution.
Current Status
Completed technology buildout and prototype demonstrations in 2018. On track to build a flight model and qualification for in-orbit demonstration in 2020.
Problem or Opportunity
With the ever-increasing number of small-satellites and data downlink demand with the advent of more capable imagers, hyperspectral, miniaturised SAR or even multi-sensor platforms; a new reliable, cost-effective and reduced interference communications systems are needed. Sole RF downlink systems are straining under the downlink demand, spectrum allocation and coordination issues.
Laser communication provides a high bandwith link at low cost and open up applications in smallsat telecommunication constellation
Solution (product or service)
Astrogate labs is providing an optical flight terminal an alternative to RF transmitter to enable high speed downlinks for the growing need of smallsats.
Further, Astrogate is setting up a optical ground stations and network to offer a simplified communication solutions at the lowest cost per bandwidth.
Competitors
There are a handful, of companies globally developing optical communication products for smallsats. Available solutions cater to the needs of bigger satellites.
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Advantages or differentiators
Our optical communication products has a low form-factor 1U to be used in small/ nanosats and impose lower operational constraints in regards to pointing stability and power requirements. In addition the platform provides configurable modulation, encoding schemes and is compatible to be used with existing ground terminals.
Money will be spent on
Optical ground network deployment and working capital
Winner of India Innovation Growth Program 2.0, 2019 - a unique tripartite initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, Lockheed Martin and Tata Trusts.
Winner of Elevate 2019, Government of Karnataka
