TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY - Spacecraft Speedometer: Satellite Velocity Detection
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is offering a Technology Licensing Opportunity for its Spacecraft Speedometer: Satellite Velocity Detection system. This technology provides real-time, GPS-independent velocity measurements for satellites. LANL is seeking a manufacturing partner or system integrator to refine production and deploy this innovation into commercial and defense satellite markets. This is not a call for external services for technology development.
Technology Overview
The Spacecraft Speedometer utilizes a dual-sensor head electrostatic analyzer (ESA) to determine satellite velocity by analyzing ambient space plasma charged particles. This self-contained, compact, and power-efficient solution is designed as a small size, weight, and power (SWaP) payload, ideal for CubeSats and small satellites. It fills a critical gap in spacecraft navigation, particularly in GPS-denied environments (low altitudes, high-radiation, deep-space missions) and during geomagnetic storms.
Key Advantages:
- Direct Velocity Measurement: Improves orbit prediction and maneuver planning.
- Compact & Low-Power Design: Optimized for small satellite platforms.
- Enhanced Space Weather Monitoring: Provides real-time data to mitigate disruptions.
- Increased Accuracy: Reduces reliance on GPS, effective in challenging environments.
- Space Deployment: Successfully tested on the International Space Station (ISS).
Market Applications
This technology is relevant for:
- Small Satellite & CubeSat Operators: Enhances tracking where GPS is unreliable.
- Space Weather Monitoring & Forecasting: Provides critical velocity data.
- Government & Defense Agencies: Supports space domain awareness and collision avoidance.
- Satellite Manufacturers & System Integrators: Facilitates integration into commercial and defense systems.
Development Status & Intellectual Property
The technology is at Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3), with component prototypes built and proof-of-concept testing completed. It is US Patent Pending (LA-UR-25-22649).
Partnership Details
LANL's licensing program aims to move inventions to commercial innovations through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. Interested parties should contact licensing@lanl.gov for specific discussions.
Timeline
- Response Date: July 20, 2026, 2:00 PM MDT
- Published Date: May 15, 2026