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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY - Spacecraft Speedometer: Satellite Velocity Detection
Overview
| Agency | Department of Energy |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 07/20/26 |
| Posted | 05/15/26 |
| Estimated Value | Not Provided |
| Set Aside | None |
| NAICS | 336414 - Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing |
| PSC | 6605 - Navigational Instruments |
| Location | Los Alamos, NM 87545 United States |
Description
Summary
The Spacecraft Speedometer provides real-time velocity measurements for satellites without relying on GPS, which can be unreliable at low altitudes, in high-radiation environments and during geomagnetic storms. The technology has been successfully tested in space and is ready for scaling and commercialization. We are seeking a manufacturing partner or system integrator to refine production and deploy this technology into commercial and defense satellite markets. How it Works: Using a dual-sensor head electrostatic analyzer (ESA), it determines velocity by analyzing ambient space plasma charged particles, offering a self-contained, compact, and power-efficient solution for better orbital tracking and space weather monitoring. Designed as a small size, weight, and power (SWaP) payload for small satellite platforms, this system fills a critical gap in spacecraft navigation, improving operational efficiency while reducing reliance on external tracking systems. As spacecraft and probes travel to planets and moons where GPS isn't available, the Spacecraft Speedometer provides a critical navigation solution for deep-space missions. By enabling precise velocity measurements in these GPS-denied environments, it supports autonomous spacecraft operations, improves mission planning, and ensures accurate trajectory control for planetary exploration and interplanetary travel.
Velocity Measurement
Directly measures spacecraft speed in situ, improving orbit prediction and maneuver planning. - Compact & Low-Power Design: Optimized for CubeSats and small satellites, making it cost-effective and scalable.
Enhanced Space Weather Monitoring
Provides real-time data to mitigate space weather disruptions that impact spacecraft performance.
Increased Accuracy for Satellite Tracking
Reduces reliance on GPS, which struggles at low altitudes and certain latitudes, especially during intense space weather events.
Space Deployment
Successfully tested on the International Space Station (ISS), validating its accuracy
Problems Solved
- Unlike traditional satellite velocity tracking, which relies on GPS or ground-based radar, the Spacecraft Speedometer provides direct, onboard velocity measurements using a dual-sensor laminated-head electrostatic analyzer (ESA). This system detects and analyzes charged particles in space, filtering them based on energy and trajectory to determine spacecraft velocity in real time. - The laminated-head design enhances measurement accuracy and efficiency by optimizing particle detection and reducing noise. Because it does not depend on external signals, it remains effective in GPS-limited environments, such as low-altitude or high-radiation regions. - Its compact, low-power design makes it well-suited for CubeSats, small satellites, and larger spacecraft, improving orbital prediction and mission planning while reducing reliance on external tracking systems.
Market Applications
- Small Satellite & CubeSat Operators: Enhances tracking for satellites where GPS is unreliable. - Space Weather Monitoring & Forecasting: Provides critical velocity data to predict space weather disruptions. - Government & Defense Agencies: Supports space domain awareness and collision avoidance. - Satellite Manufacturers & System Integrators: Can be easily integrated into commercial and defense satellite systems. With the space weather forecasting market projected to grow to $2.8B by 2032, this technology offers a low-cost, scalable alternative to traditional tracking methods, enabling more autonomous, cost-effective space operations.
Development Status
Technology Readiness Level 3 Component Prototypes Built and Proof-of-Concept Testing Completed
US Patent Pending
LA-UR-25-22649 Access: https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/tech-and-capability-search/spacecraft-speedometer
LANL Tech Partnerships
Unlock the Innovative Potential Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products. LANL's licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov. Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology. https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/tech-and-capability-search
Summary (Newest Update)
Background The Spacecraft Speedometer is a technology developed to provide real-time velocity measurements for satellites without relying on GPS, which can be unreliable in low altitudes, high-radiation environments, and during geomagnetic storms. This technology has been successfully tested in space and is ready for scaling and commercialization. The goal of the contract is to find a manufacturing partner or system integrator to refine production and deploy this technology into commercial and defense satellite markets. Work Details The Spacecraft Speedometer utilizes a dual-sensor head electrostatic analyzer (ESA) to determine velocity by analyzing ambient space plasma charged particles. It is designed as a small size, weight, and power (SWaP) payload suitable for small satellite platforms. Key features include: - **Velocity Measurement**: Directly measures spacecraft speed in situ, improving orbit prediction and maneuver planning. - **Compact & Low-Power Design**: Optimized for CubeSats and small satellites, making it cost-effective and scalable. - **Enhanced Space Weather Monitoring**: Provides real-time data to mitigate space weather disruptions that impact spacecraft performance. - **Increased Accuracy for Satellite Tracking**: Reduces reliance on GPS, which struggles at low altitudes and certain latitudes during intense space weather events. - **Space Deployment**: Successfully tested on the International Space Station (ISS), validating its accuracy. Place of Performance The technology is intended for deployment in various space applications, particularly for small satellites and CubeSats operating in environments where GPS is unreliable.
Contacts
| Contact name | Kathleen McDonald |
|---|---|
| Contact email | licensing@lanl.gov |
| Contact phone | None |
| Secondary contact name | Lindsay Augustyn |
| Secondary contact email | licensing@lanl.gov |
| Secondary contact phone | None |
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