Packaging Technology for Long-Lifetime Space-Based Lasers  

Fibertek, Inc. 

Herndon, VA 
 

A space-qualifiable laser (SQL) prototype ready for extensive testing including vibration, thermal vacuum, and lifetime testing

• Developed procedures for space-qualifiable laser manufacturing
• Designed and built a 250 mJ prototype Nd:YAG laser for space-based remote sensing applications
• Evaluated laser and material performance in a vacuum environment
• Laser logged over two billion pulses with less than 10% reduction in output
• Manufactured and delivered two space-qualified laser systems for NASA/Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation

• The SBIR supported technology development has enhanced Fibertek's sales of laser transmitters for the space based remote sensing lidar market
• $ 6.5 M contract with Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. for the delivery of two space-qualified lasers (CALIPSO)
• Miniaturization of the technology has lead to products aimed at the market for unmanned aerial vehicle based remote sensing lidars
• Incorporation of injection seeding is leading to laser transmitters suitable for Doppler wind lidar systems

• Flight laser has been integrated onto NASA's Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) Mission, scheduled for launch in 2006
• Received NASA SBIR Phase III funding for additional development of laser technology
• Received Air Force Research Laboratory SBIR to develop 1 J laser systems for space-based remote-sensing applications

Return to NASA SBIR Success Listings