TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY - Spacecraft Speedometer: Satellite Velocity Detection
Agency: Department of Energy
Location: New Mexico
NAICS: 336414
TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI)
Overview
| Agency | Department of Energy |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 08/22/26 |
| Posted | 05/15/26 |
| Estimated Value | Not Provided |
| Set Aside | None |
| NAICS | 334511 - Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing |
| PSC | AC13 - National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense - Military; Experimental Development |
| Location | Los Alamos, NM 87545 United States |
Description
Summary
Engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a license plate for satellites to help solve the growing problem of space traffic management. The Extremely Low-Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI) is a simple, easy-to-fly, solar-powered beacon that can be attached to a satellite for tracking. Each ELROI unit transmits a custom identification number that can be read from the ground using signal processing techniques also developed at Los Alamos.
The Challenge
Identifying space objects after launch remains a persistent challenge. When dozens of satellites are deployed simultaneously, determining which object is which using traditional radar or optical tracking methods is slow, error-prone, or sometimes impossible. This lack of real-time, reliable identification hinders satellite commissioning, increases operational risk, and undermines space traffic management efforts. Unidentified satellites are particularly problematic after their radio systems are disabled or fail. Without continuous, verifiable identification, defunct satellites add uncertainty to orbital catalogs and increase the risk of collision.
Problems Solved
ELROI solves the space object identification problem by providing an autonomous, low-cost, optical beacon that broadcasts a unique ID from orbit. ELROI: - enables definitive post-launch identification of satellites faster than conventional means; - operates without RF emissions, making it ideal for use even after satellite deactivation; - functions autonomously, activating and broadcasting without requiring power or communication from the host spacecraft; and - continues operation even after satellite passivation, offering a persistent identity signal over the object's orbital lifetime. In 2024 25, ELROI was demonstrated successfully on LaCE-1 and R5-S4 satellites, providing the first definitive identification for each satellite in orbit ahead of operator or catalog resolution.
Key Advantages
- Ultra-Low SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost): Final designs aim for just a few grams and a few cubic centimeters, requiring minimal power.
No RF Interference
Uses optical rather than radio frequency, sidestepping spectrum crowding and regulatory issues.
Autonomous and Passive
No spacecraft support required; beacon runs independently, even on dead satellites.
Fast and Robust Identification
High-confidence decoding of unique identifiers using ground-based photon counting techniques, even with low signal strength.
Scalable and Flexible
Can be added to any space object, including CubeSats and deployable debris, without complex integration.
Resilient Design
Uses robust encoding schemes (e.g., BCH error-correcting codes) to ensure ID recovery under high noise and low signal conditions.
Next Steps
For ELROI to become a standard part of space operations, three parallel tracks must advance:
Beacon Manufacturing
Move from prototypes to production-scale manufacturing of standardized, miniaturized ELROI units.
Ground Network Expansion
Establish a distributed network of ground stations using cost-effective photon-counting or hybrid imaging systems.
Operator Adoption
Encourage satellite operators to integrate ELROI through demonstrated benefits, policy incentives, and regulatory encouragement. Widespread use will grow as ELROI proves its value, stays low-cost, and gains support for improving space safety.
Space Traffic Management
A standard beacon on all space objects reduces uncertainty, supports catalog maintenance, and improves deconfliction.
Regulatory Compliance
Enables better enforcement of norms and international transparency for satellite tracking and ownership.
Mission Assurance
Helps satellite operators confirm identity quickly after deployment, expediting commissioning and reducing risk.
End-of-Life Management
Provides lasting identity for passivated or tumbling satellites, supporting sustainable space practices.
Commercial Launch Services
Can be included as standard hardware on launch platforms to simplify post-launch operations for clients.
Development Status
TRL 8 US Patent No. 11,750,677 (S133647.002); 12,101,366 (S133647.003); 12,101,367 (S133647.004); Pending S133830 LA-UR-25-27913
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 Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has developed the Extremely Low-Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI), a solar-powered beacon designed to address the challenges of space traffic management. The goal of this technology is to provide reliable identification for satellites post-launch, which is crucial for operational safety and effective space traffic management. Work Details The ELROI system provides an autonomous, low-cost optical beacon that broadcasts a unique identification number from orbit. Key tasks include: - Enabling definitive post-launch identification of satellites faster than conventional methods. - Operating without RF emissions, making it suitable for use even after satellite deactivation. - Functioning autonomously, activating and broadcasting without requiring power or communication from the host spacecraft. - Continuing operation even after satellite passivation, offering a persistent identity signal throughout the satellite's orbital lifetime. - Manufacturing standardized, miniaturized ELROI units for production-scale deployment. - Establishing a distributed network of ground stations using cost-effective photon-counting or hybrid imaging systems to enhance tracking capabilities. - Encouraging satellite operators to integrate ELROI through demonstrated benefits and regulatory support. Period of Performance The contract will be performed over the years 2024 to 2025 as part of ongoing development and demonstration efforts. Place of Performance The technology will be developed and tested at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
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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