satcom Archives - FreeFall Aerospace

FreeFall introduces Dustin Blanchard as Vice President of Product Development

freefallaero — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:59:55 +0000

FreeFall Aerospace Welcomes Dustin Blanchard as Vice President of Product Development

Tucson, Arizona—FreeFall Aerospace, a leader in revolutionary antenna technology, is proud to announce the addition of Dustin Blanchard as Vice President of Product Development. Dustin brings over 24 years of expertise in program management, engineering oversight, and leadership across the public and private sectors. His extensive background will be pivotal in advancing FreeFall’s innovative product line and expanding its growing customer portfolio.

Dan Geraci, CEO of FreeFall Aerospace, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Dustin to the FreeFall team. His proven leadership and deep expertise in managing complex programs will be instrumental in driving our product development efforts and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Dustin’s vision and approach align perfectly with FreeFall’s commitment to innovation and delivering transformative antenna solutions.”

Dustin’s distinguished career includes serving U.S. Department of Defense intelligence missions in domestic and international environments and leading private sector engineering programs across various industries. Most recently, he held Director of Programs and Director of Operations roles at prominent optical engineering firms in Tucson. A PMP^®-certified Project Manager, Dustin has a Bachelor’s degree in Defense Program Management and an MBA, equipping him with a multidisciplinary perspective essential to FreeFall’s future growth.

“I’m honored to join FreeFall Aerospace and contribute to its groundbreaking advancements in antenna technology,” said Dustin. “FreeFall’s innovative solutions can redefine how we connect on Earth and beyond. I’m looking forward to collaborating with this talented team to achieve success for our customers.”

Dustin’s unique management philosophy, rooted in multi-channel communication and enriched by his experience in human intelligence operations, ensures he is well-equipped to drive FreeFall’s programs to success. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of FreeFall’s mission to revolutionize the communications industry.

The post FreeFall introduces Dustin Blanchard as Vice President of Product Development appeared first on FreeFall Aerospace.

FreeFall Aerospace selected for NSIN Accelerator

freefallaero — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:27:40 +0000

FreeFall Aerospace has been selected to participate in the 2024 National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Emerge Accelerator program! As a company dedicated to providing low-cost antenna technology for ground and space applications, this cohort is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to advancing technology for civilian and military markets.

The Emerge Accelerator is a 12-week program to propel venture creation and accelerate technology transition. It brings together DoD mission partners and emerging technology teams. What sets the NSIN Emerge Accelerator apart is its focus on facilitating collaboration between cutting-edge companies and top research universities. FreeFall’s Aman Chandra, Ph.D., is not only a University of Arizona alum but also leads our effort in this accelerator as our Senior Engineer for Aerospace Systems R&D.

FreeFall looks forward to leveraging this opportunity to pursue federal and commercial markets and strengthen our capabilities for doing business with the federal government and private sector.

“This journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible team, partners, the University of Arizona, and the NSIN – National Security Innovation Network community. We are excited about the possibilities and committed to making a lasting impact in satellite communications.”- Julie Bonner, Director of Communications

NSIN Official Press Release

The Emerge Accelerator connects DoD mission partners with emerging technology teams and startups at our nation’s top research universities.

Cutting-edge companies will demonstrate how intellectual property from top research universities can be commercialized for dual-use, civilian, and military markets during the next cohort of National Security Innovation Network (NSIN)’s Emerge Accelerator program.

The 12-week program offers participants funding to accelerate venture creation and technology transition. The program also offers access to feedback, advisors, and potential partners from the DoD and private industry. While pursuing federal and commercial markets is highly encouraged, the NSIN Emerge Accelerator excels at providing new ventures with the tools necessary to do business with the federal government and the private sector.

13 companies representing 13 unique academic institutions were accepted into the 2024 NSIN Emerge Accelerator. The teams have reached a Technology Readiness Level(TRL) of 4 (validation in a relevant environment) or greater, and have a technology vertical focus on artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), deep tech, autonomy, cyber security, and other general technology solutions.

Meet the 2024 Emerge Accelerator Cohort

ARMADA Marine Robotics, Inc.

Academic Institution: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)

ARMADA provides industry and the government with an innovative hardware platform and a cost-efficient operations model that will revolutionize in situ ocean monitoring at scale.

Covert Defenses

Academic Institution: Purdue University

Covert Defenses enables zero-downtime operation of industrial control systems in cyber-contested environments. Their solution allows for continuous operations, even if penetrated by an insider.

EMP Technology Solutions

Academic Institution: University of Texas at Dallas

EMP Technology Solutions has developed a system for radioisotope identification that is portable, scalable, modular, and network-compatible. Their system works quickly, detecting and identifying radioactive threats in about five seconds.

Fourier LLC

Academic Institution: Northeastern University

Fourier is commercializing the breakthrough platform technology of thermoformable technical ceramics. The company is bringing large-scale production to the manufacturing of technical ceramic parts for the first time.

FreeFall Aerospace, Inc.

Academic Institution: The University of Arizona

FreeFall Aerospace develops low-cost antennas for ground and space. The company’s flexible designs have dramatically lower maintenance needs, saving industry and the government time and money on sustainment operations.

L5vel Inc.

Academic Institution: Texas A&M University

L5vel is developing autonomy for all-terrain logistics. Its product, L5vel Prime, automates all-terrain forklifts.

MicroAvionics

Academic Institution: Harvard University

MicroAvionics is developing innovative levitation technology to enable flight in the mesosphere (50-100 km altitudes). The technology uses sunlight to generate thrust, eliminating the need for onboard fuel or power, offering a sustainable method to carry near-space payloads in a region that is inaccessible to conventional aircraft and satellites.

Mithril Technologies, Inc.

Academic Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Mithril Technologies, Inc. is developing and commercializing a new type of space-based mesh reflector antenna using a unique electrostatic actuation technology invented at MIT to enable active beam focusing, shaping and steering. This active control allows flexibility in GEO satellite communications & jamming, signal intelligence, and space-based weather monitoring, with lighter & simpler structures than phased arrays.

ModiFly

Academic Institution: University of Texas at San Antonio

ModiFly offers an affordable drone networking solution with edge and cloud AI processing, supporting dynamic mission demands through plug-and-play modules.

Pi-Radio

Academic Institution: New York University

Pi-Radio builds software-defined radios (SDRs) that enable wireless systems prototypes for communications, sensing, and electronic warfare to be built quickly and affordably. Pi-Radio has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) SBIR/STTR programs.

Refined Imaging LLC.

Academic Institution: Louisiana State University

Refined Imaging applies new X-ray and neutron imaging technology, along with key collaborators, to develop the secure supply chain.

SoloPulse Corp.

Academic Institution: Georgia Tech

SoloPulse unlocks sensing infrastructure without the need for new hardware. With the rise of autonomy, advanced threats, and the need for more intelligible data, SoloPulse offers the necessary solutions for fast, cost-effective, high-fidelity data from any existing sensor. By introducing the capability to see from any sensor, SoloPulse is changing how the world sees.

Spectrum Defense Systems

Academic Institutions: Purdue University and Ohio Northern University

Spectrum Defense Systems is a DoD-focused startup focused on providing electronic warfare decoy capabilities to the U.S Army. Its flagship product is the Dynamic Radio Emulator System (DRES).

About National Security Innovation Network

NSIN is a program office in the U.S. Department of Defense, nested within the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). We are set up to collaborate with a wide variety of innovators to include universities, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and start-ups. We create opportunities for collaboration across communities and connect those that might not traditionally work in national security. Together, we help drive national security innovation and develop technologies that directly support the individuals responsible for protecting our country.

The post FreeFall Aerospace selected for NSIN Accelerator appeared first on FreeFall Aerospace.

The FreeFall Aerospace Inflatable Antenna System is Ready for Launch

freefallaero — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:00:47 +0000

Ready for lift-off, the novel inflatable antenna system developed by FreeFall Aerospace is validated and ready for space! In partnership with the University of Arizona (UA), FreeFall successfully conducted extensive pre-flight tests, the last step before flying in space. These tests validate operation and performance in a simulated space environment from launch through the entire mission lifetime. Our Inflatable Antenna System has now been integrated for flight on the CatSat spacecraft and will ultimately provide Big Data from Small Spacecraft for a wide variety of missions.

Inflatable Cubesat Antenna

This novel inflatable antenna system developed by Tucson technology company FreeFall Aerospace, in conjunction with the University of Arizona, is a critical component of CatSat, one of eight research satellites to be launched aboard a Firefly launch vehicle now set for no earlier than January 2023. The satellites selected under NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative will perform technology demonstrations, conduct scientific investigations, and provide educational benefits.

The FreeFall Aerospace Inflatable Antenna System components include a lightweight Mylar balloon reflector, a deployment and inflation system, and small gas cartridges.

TVAC Test: FreeFall Aerospace Inflatable Antenna System

Science / Technology Question:

How can low power, high data rate communications be achieved with a Small Satellite?

Demonstrate a deployable, high-gain antenna by relaying high-definition images from orbit in near real-time.

CatSat Mission Requirements:

The FreeFall Aerospace antenna system utilizes an ultra-lightweight inflatable structure that can be stowed in a very small volume. Once deployed in orbit, it provides an extremely lightweight large aperture high-gain antenna. This approach will dramatically increase the total data return and overall effectiveness of Cubesats and other small satellites. The Principal Investigator of CatSat is Dr. Chris Walker, professor of Astronomy at UA and co-founder of FreeFall Aerospace. The Lead Mechanical & Systems Engineer is FreeFall’s, Aman Chandra.

Aman Chandra, FreeFall Aerospace

CatSat is a 6U CubeSat built by GOMspace of Denmark that is now being integrated and tested by UA students from various departments, including Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Astronomy, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. It allows undergraduate and graduate students to get hands-on experience developing and operating a space mission and involves dozens of UA students across campus.

Once in orbit, the FreeFall antenna will deploy using compressed gas to inflate a 0.5-meter diameter Mylar spherical reflector incorporating a proprietary feed system. Through the inflatable antenna, CatSat will transmit high-definition Earth imagery in real-time to a 6.1 m ground station antenna at Tech Parks Arizona. A second “whip” antenna will also be used to probe how Earth’s ionosphere structure varies at different times of the day. CatSat will orbit Earth approximately 15 times a day during its expected 6-month lifetime.

“Qualifying our inflatable antenna is a crucial step for FreeFall Aerospace, the University of Arizona, and Tucson’s developing space ecosystem. We’re looking forward to making this capability available for commercial, scientific, and government space missions.”

Doug Stetson, CEO of FreeFall Aerospace

The post The FreeFall Aerospace Inflatable Antenna System is Ready for Launch appeared first on FreeFall Aerospace.

CatSat is Coming Together!

freefallaero — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 21:27:14 +0000

This morning FreeFall Aerospace staff visited the University of Arizona to see the progress on CatSat, one of eight research satellites to be launched aboard a NASA mission in June 2022. The satellites selected under NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative will perform technology demonstrations, conduct scientific investigations, and provide educational benefits. CatSat is a partnership of the University of Arizona, FreeFall Aerospace, and Rincon Research.

CatSat is a 6U CubeSat developed by UA students from various departments, including Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Astronomy, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. It allows undergraduate and graduate students to get hands-on experience developing and operating a space mission and involves more than a dozen UA students spread across campus. The Principal Investigator of CatSat is Dr. Chris Walker, professor of Astronomy at UA and co-founder of FreeFall Aerospace.

Watch this video to learn more about our inflatable antenna!

Darren Verebelyi, Doug Stetson, and Aman Chandra of FreeFall Aerospace

CatSat’s key technology demonstration is FreeFall’s advanced antenna system for small spacecraft. It utilizes an ultra-lightweight inflatable structure that can be stowed in a very small volume, then deployed in orbit to provide a large aperture high-gain antenna. This approach will dramatically increase the total data return and overall effectiveness of Cubesats and other small satellites.

During the CatSat mission, the FreeFall inflatable antenna will transmit high-definition Earth imagery to a 6.1 m ground station antenna located at Biosphere2 near Tucson. A second whip antenna will also be used to probe how the ionosphere structure varies at different times of the day. The 6-month CatSat mission will complete the testing and validation of the FreeFall inflatable antenna and will represent a major contribution to future commercial, scientific, and government space missions.

The post CatSat is Coming Together! appeared first on FreeFall Aerospace.

FreeFall Aerospace Inflation Control System Validated for Spaceflight

freefallaero — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 08:38:47 +0000

FreeFall Aerospace Inflation Control System Validated for Spaceflight.

Ready for lift-off, the novel inflatable antenna system developed by FreeFall Aerospace is validated and ready for space! In partnership with the University of Arizona (UA) and Northrop Grumman, on July 1, 2021, FreeFall successfully conducted thermal vacuum tests of the inflation control system. This test validates the performance in simulated space, including the possible impact of orbital debris and micro-meteoroids. The inflation control system is part of the new inflatable Cubesat antenna that will provide Big Data from Small Spacecraft. This antenna will be demonstrated in space in April 2022.

This novel inflatable antenna system developed by Tucson technology company FreeFall Aerospace, in conjunction with the University of Arizona, is a critical component of CatSat, one of eight research satellites to be launched aboard a NASA mission in April 2022. The satellites selected under NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative will perform technology demonstrations, conduct scientific investigations, and provide educational benefits.

FreeFall’s antenna system utilizes an ultra-lightweight inflatable structure that can be stowed in a very small volume. Once it is deployed in orbit, it provides a large aperture, high-gain antenna. This approach will dramatically increase the total data return and overall effectiveness of Cubesats and other small satellites. The Principal Investigator of CatSat is Dr. Chris Walker, professor of Astronomy at UA and co-founder of FreeFall Aerospace.

Once in orbit, the FreeFall antenna will deploy using compressed gas to inflate a 0.5-meter diameter Mylar spherical reflector incorporating a proprietary feed system. Under contract from FreeFall Aerospace, Picocyl LLC (Golden, CO) developed and built the gas delivery unit, including specialized gas canisters. This unit was integrated with the deployment and control system.

The Catsat inflatable antenna will attempt transmitting high definition earth imagery in near real-time using a 6.1 m ground station antenna at Biosphere2. A second whip antenna will also be used to probe how the ionosphere structure varies at different times of the day. Catsat shall orbit the earth approximately 15 times every 24 hours.

“This validation of our inflation control system is a crucial step for FreeFall Aerospace, the University of Arizona, and Tucson’s developing space ecosystem. We’re looking forward to making this capability available for commercial, scientific, and government space missions.”

Validation of FreeFall Aerospace’s inflation control system – Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman

The post FreeFall Aerospace Inflation Control System Validated for Spaceflight appeared first on FreeFall Aerospace.

FreeFall Aerospace’s Antenna Slated for NASA Spaceflight

freefallaero — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:30:55 +0000

FreeFall’s Antenna to Launch Aboard NASA’s CubeSat Initiative

March 19, 2021: Update on NASA’s Cubesat Launch Initiative

A novel inflatable antenna system developed by Tucson technology company FreeFall Aerospace, in conjunction with the University of Arizona, is a critical component of CatSat, one of 8 research satellites now slated for launch aboard a NASA mission in April 2022. The satellites selected under NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative will perform technology demonstrations, conduct scientific investigations, and provide educational benefits.

FreeFall’s antenna system utilizes an ultra-lightweight inflatable structure that can be stowed in a compact volume and then deployed in orbit to provide a large aperture, high-gain antenna. This approach will help realize the vision of “Big Data from Small Spacecraft” and dramatically increase Cubesats and other small satellites’ effectiveness and utilization.

The technology was invented by UA astronomy professor Dr. Chris Walker, Principal Investigator of the CatSat mission and co-founder of FreeFall Aerospace. Another local Tucson firm, Rincon Research, is providing expertise and equipment to help make CatSat a success.

CatSat is a 6U CubeSat built by GOMspace of Denmark that is now being integrated and tested by UA students from various departments, including Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Astronomy, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. It allows both undergraduate and graduate students to get hands-on experience developing and operating a space mission and involves more than a dozen UA students spread across campus.

Once in orbit, the FreeFall antenna will deploy using compressed gas to inflate a half aluminized, 0.5 meter Mylar sphere incorporating a proprietary feed system. Data including HD video and diagnostic information will be communicated to a new 6.1m ground station located at the UA’s Biosphere II.

CatSat will also probe the structure of the Earth’s ionosphere by listening to thousands of low-power amateur radio beacons as it orbits Earth approximately 16 times per day.

“This spaceflight demonstration of our flagship product is a crucial step for FreeFall Aerospace, the University of Arizona, and Tucson’s developing space economy. We are thrilled that NASA has established a firm launch date for CatSat, and we’re looking forward to making this capability available for commercial, scientific, and government space missions.” – Doug Stetson, CEO of FreeFall Aerospace

Along with the other Cubesats, CatSat will be launched by a Firefly Black Alpha vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Check www.FreeFallAerospace.com for more updates.

Doug Stetson

Co-founder, President, and CEO

Doug Stetson is the CEO of FreeFall Aerospace that is developing innovative antenna technology for satellite communications. Prior to founding FreeFall, Doug spent 30 years at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory having lead roles in systems engineering and mission design for Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn missions. After leaving JPL in 2008, Doug was the project manager for the LightSail mission that successfully deployed and tested a solar sail in Earth orbit. Doug holds a B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University. He is the recipient of the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and the JPL Award for Excellence in Leadership.

Chris Walker

Co-founder, Chief Scientist, and VP for R&D

Professor Christopher Walker has over 30 years of experience in the industry (TRW Aerospace and JPL) as well as academia developing state-of-the-art antenna systems for terahertz astronomy. In 1991at the University of Arizona he began the Steward Observatory Radio Astronomy Lab (SORAL), a world leader developing THz receiver systems for astronomy and other remote sensing applications. He was the PI of the NASA-funded long-duration balloon project “The Stratospheric THz Observatory (STO)’’, which had a successful Antarctic flight followed by GUSTO, also selected by NASA as the first balloon-borne mission under the auspices of the Explorer Program. In addition, he is the PI of the “10-meter Suborbital Large Balloon Reflector (LBR)” project, selected by the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program for a Phase I and II study. Chris recently authored Terahertz Astronomy, the first textbook in his field of study. He is the recipient of the 2018 Inventor of the Year at the University of Arizona.

The post FreeFall Aerospace’s Antenna Slated for NASA Spaceflight appeared first on FreeFall Aerospace.

FreeFall Antenna Technology flew on NASA 60 Million Cubic Foot Balloon!

freefallaero — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 15:57:24 +0000

In partnership with the University of Arizona, the first flight test of FreeFall’s advanced steerable antenna system is underway in New Mexico. The flight lifted off this morning on the new NASA 60 million cubic foot balloon.

It can reach an altitude of 150,000-160,000 feet in the air as we study the antenna capabilities.

This is a key step in demonstrating FreeFall’s spherical reflector and beam steering technology and a giant leap toward eventual spaceflight.

NASA’s new 60 million cubic foot balloon with FreeFall Antenna Technology

FreeFall’s Spherical Reflector and Antenna and the All-Sky Antenna are being tested on this large payload

Watch the NASA balloon with FreeFall antennas launch in 20 seconds!

The NASA balloon was launched and is flying!

This camera is looking up from the payload towards the balloon. The balloon is flying towards an altitude of 150,000 to 160,000 ft!

Spherical Reflector vs Parabolic Reflector

FreeFall’s antenna technology is unique because it is using a spherical reflector. In the past, antennas always used a parabolic antenna. A parabolic antenna focuses energy to a “single point” – while a spherical antenna focuses energy to a “focal line”. Parabolic antennas are symmetric about only one axis which severely limits field of view. It also requires precise pointing for high gain and has more complex packaging, deployment and on-orbit operations.

The spherical antenna provides a wider field of view for antennas and high gain without re-pointing of an antenna. Combining a spherical antennas with inflatables is the key to achieving a large aperture in a simple lightweight system.

Future for FreeFall’s Inflatable Spherical Reflector

This spherical antennas coupled with electronic steering is the future of portable ground stations, remote sensing a spacecraft applications. It’s lightweight, highly portable and is easily deployable will allow of high-gain communications anywhere at anytime.

Stay tuned for more details and connect with us on FreeFall’s Twitter for more updates.

The post FreeFall Antenna Technology flew on NASA 60 Million Cubic Foot Balloon! appeared first on FreeFall Aerospace.