Design Ready to Fly Parametric Antenna Prototype for Efficient Very Low Frequency (VLF) Wave Excitation in the Ionospheric/Space Plasma

Verus Research is pleased to respond to the Air Force Phase I SBIR solicitation AF103-006 entitled, “Design Ready to Fly Parametric Antenna Prototype for Efficient Very Low Frequency (VLF) Wave Excitation in the Ionospheric/Space Plasma.” The identified VLF and ELF parametric antenna scheme is well studied; however, there are three key challenges in implementation. These are a deployable 10 m radius loop, overcoming self-inductance of a 20 m diameter loop and operating at 100 A and 30 kHz, and effectively launching ELF plasma density waves. Verus Research proposes a three-path approach to mature solutions to these challenges leveraging both internal and external expertise. To address the challenge of a large deployable loop, Verus Research has teamed with LoadPath, and proposes a multi-boom ‘spider web’. To solve the VLF power challenges, Verus Research will optimize a 20 m diameter conductor and design the power architecture necessary to drive it. To launch ELF plasma density waves, Verus Research proposes a pulsed low temperature plasma source. This approach will avoid the challenges of electrostatic antennas in LEO. The Verus Research team is exquisitely suited for these tasks and has deep knowledge across the skills sets required to for a successful Phase I effort.