Space Photonics Rocketed, Lands Defense Contract

Space Photonics Inc., a graduate of the University of Arkansas’ Genesis Technology Incubator, received a $1.2 million contract from the Department of Defense on Oct. 1.

The firm specializes in fiber-optic and free-space networking systems and components specifically designed for military and commercial aircraft. Free-space networking is “wireless” photo communication.

SPI’s niche is in the development of rugged components that can withstand the rigors of space flight and be used as military and commercial avionics, including components that are radiation tolerant.

The contract is a three-year program supported by the Office of Naval Research and is for research related to anti-tamper devices, using nanomaterials developed by SPI.

But a defense contract isn’t the only thing SPI has to celebrate. On Nov. 17, the company said some of its technology had finally made it to space. Fiber optic transceivers have been launched on NASA’s STS-129 as part of a mechanism to be installed on the International Space Station.

The transceivers will provide high-speed fiber optic interconnections to the space station from an express logistics carrier, which will be installed on the external booms of the station.

The company said it has received $10 million in Small Business Innovation Research since 1999 and $18 million of non-SBIR contracts in the past five years.