Freefall Aerospace is a NASA NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) success story.
The inflatable antenna system enables big data from cubesats and small low-cost spacecraft. The 3-dimensional phased array antenna technology can provide high data rate communication at virtually any frequency at a fraction of the size and cost of any existing solution.
They have a 5G communication antenna which is superior for communication in a city. Their 5G antenna can replace 3-4 traditional antennas.
* Fully electronic beam steering and 360-degree coverage eliminates moving parts to dramatically reduce cost and complexity
* Small, lightweight, low power antenna systems for space and ground
* Fast, reliable, low-cost access to large volumes of data is one of the most critical capabilities that will define the future
* FreeFall’s unique antenna technology provides high data rate communication at virtually any frequency at a fraction of the size and cost of any existing solution
* Cutting-edge “Find and Follow” algorithms enable the full mobile connectivity envisioned for the 5G future
All-Sky Telecom System – Receiving Antenna
FreeFall’s All-Sky Antenna enables continuous high-gain data-on-the-move for vehicles, ships, and virtually any other platform. By combining our line feeds with a hemispherical reflector, we provide full-sky coverage and autonomous satellite tracking with no moving parts and no antenna pointing required.
Fully electronic beam steering and electronic motion compensation maintain the high-gain link at all times, whether on a moving vehicle or maritime platform. No heavy and expensive antenna gimbals or mounts, or physical antenna pointing or tracking required – simple, lightweight and low cost.
Astronomy and Space Use of Inflatable Antennas
FreeFall started in astronomy with antenna technology based on research in high-frequency radio astronomy at the University of Arizona. The unique inflatable spherical reflector is compact and lightweight and provides a wide field of view for complete coverage.
This provides a dramatic increase in data rate with minimum mass, power, and complexity which is critical to the space-based communication systems of the 5G world.
SOURCES- Freefall, NASA NIAC
Written By Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
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Is that keynote presentation available as a file?
And obviously, make the components large enuf, you get power beaming, not just signal beaming.