Opterus Receives SBIR Phase II Award from NASA to Develop a Small Satellite Deployable Antenna Reflector
Loveland, Colorado – June 15, 2025 – Opterus Research and Development, a leading space structures company advancing high-strain composite technology, has been awarded a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract to mature and validate a high-frequency (mmWave) deployable antenna reflector for small spacecraft.
The effort aims to address a critical capability gap in existing deployable reflector technology for CubeSats and SmallSats, two spacecraft architectures gaining popularity due to their cost-effective means of enabling remote sensing, communications, and reconnaissance. Current state-of-the-art deployable mesh antennas are limited to lower operating frequencies, where spectrum congestion is becoming a concern as more constellations launch into orbit. Alternatively, rigid reflectors, which are capable of operating at higher frequencies, cannot meet the compact form factors of small satellites.
To reach this higher ground, Opterus is developing a 2.5 m version of its Spiral Wrapped Antenna Technology (SWATH), a fully continuous, solid surface deployable parabolic reflector. SWATH utilizes high-strain composites and origami principles to accommodate high-bending strains when compactly stowed and exceptional surface accuracy when deployed. Further, SWATH leverages a mold-based manufacturing process for low-cost, rapid manufacturability.
Opterus has been developing SWATH for S-band and L-band with reflector diameters of 1.3 m, 2.5 m, and 4 m. Through Phase I SBIR efforts, Opterus successfully advanced manufacturing techniques that minimized surface imperfections and introduced conductive materials along the hinge line.
During the Phase II SBIR effort, Opterus will build and test a 2.5 m parabolic reflector capable of operations up to 100 GHz. The team expects that SWATH will achieve Technology Readiness Level-6 by the end of the effort, following successful demonstrations in a space-simulated environment.
About Opterus Research and Development:
Opterus is an innovative aerospace and defense company based in Loveland, CO, specializing in high-performance deployable structures. The team leverages its expertise in high-strain composite materials, origami-inspired engineering, and resource-efficient manufacturing to advance the state of the art for high-gain antennas, deployable booms, and lightweight solar arrays.
Contact: info@opterusrd.com
Website: www.opterusrd.com
