Critical Data Relay (CritDR)

To address the Department of the Air Force (AF) need for secure communications and smallsat application(s) , Solstar Space proposes to develop a new Critical Data Relay (CritDR). This proposed CritDR is based on a new design that utilizes Solstar's flight-proven components and COTS components in a small device that integrates into the satellite bus and provides vital global narrowband communications coverage. CritDR plans to demonstrate critical connectivity from LEO to operators and throughout the mission orbit. This innovative, commercial technology will create potential new capabilities fulfilling requirements for Defense Application(s) and serving the commercial space market. Solstar leverages partners’ existing frequency approvals and global frequency coordination period. The CritDR operation will be independent of DoD ground station infrastructure and thus will solve the communication window scheduling bottlenecks. During Phase I, Solstar will demonstrate the feasibility of CritDR by demonstrating the technical merits and similar related works performed. Solstar will capture the AF-specific requirements during Phase I and a top-level work plan. In Phase II, Solstar plans to develop a flight-ready device prototype of CritDR adapted for large-scale manufacture (TRL 6) to show how the approach solves the problems.