Enhanced Spacecraft Survivability

This Phase I proposal proposes to develop a space qualified agile multi-spectral laser protection device (LAPD). Based on KOI’s exclusive tunable filter, the LAPD can automatically detect and reject multiple dangerous laser lines to protect spacecraft sensor from being dazzled or damaged. The advantages of the technology are: a) reject laser wavelength without disturbing the spacecraft mission, b) high laser line rejection magnitude >10,000:1, c) reject any selected laser line (up to 1000nm) with a single filter or reject multiple laser lines simultaneously with 2.4x save on optical loss, 5.5x save on cost, volume and weight, d) low power consumption<15Watt e) Low weight ~10lb and f) Compact size ~8’’x8’’x4’’. In the Phase I program, space qualifications of the proposed technology will be simulated and analyzed. A demo LAPD will be developed and characterized. At last, technical approaches and route will be established for future Phase II program. In Phase II working prototype(s) will be developed followed by extensive field-test till all the specifications as well as the space qualification are met.