AFRL awards $7.2M contract to Packet Digital for advanced space power systems

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 27 September 2024 19:22

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 26, 2024

Packet Digital has been awarded a $7.2 million contract extension from the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to develop scalable power systems for space applications. This follows an initial $8 million contract where the company successfully delivered a high-efficiency SmallSat power converter with a 98% efficiency rate. The new contract will allow Packet Digital to expand this technology to support

AFRL awards $7.2M contract to Packet Digital for advanced space power systems
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 26, 2024

Packet Digital has been awarded a $7.2 million contract extension from the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to develop scalable power systems for space applications. This follows an initial $8 million contract where the company successfully delivered a high-efficiency SmallSat power converter with a 98% efficiency rate. The new contract will allow Packet Digital to expand this technology to support both SmallSat and CubeSat platforms, critical for future space launches.

"North Dakota is leading the way in the future of our nation's defense, from the ground all the way up into space. This expansion of Packet Digital's contract with AFRL is a testament to the company's tremendous record in producing the power systems and batteries our military forces need for cutting-edge missions. Between the original contract we worked to secure in FY2021 and the new follow-on contract using funding we secured in FY2023, Packet Digital has been awarded approximately $15 million from AFRL, which comes in addition to the funding we've provided to support the company's work with the Navy. Further, this award builds upon the partnerships we've established across sectors - public, private, state, academic and military - to ensure our nation has the capabilities it needs to stay ahead of our adversaries and give our warfighters the advantage," said Senator Hoeven.

With this new phase of the project, Packet Digital will use its SmallSat power converter technology to design power solutions for CubeSats as well, providing a broader range of options for spacecraft developers. The scalable Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) architecture will enable the creation of a full electrical power system (EPS) tailored to both SmallSat and CubeSat designs.

"To enter the CubeSat market, we plan on leveraging our SmallSat power converter technology and developing a full battery and battery management system," said Packet Digital CEO Terri Zimmerman. "We will provide a scalable battery, capable of stacking multiple batteries which will allow for future customer flexibility in mission design as well as a battery management suite to increase battery cell reliability."

Packet Digital's high-efficiency SmallSat power system uses advanced gallium nitride (eGaN) technology, allowing for a compact design that reduces size and weight, critical factors for maximizing payload capacity. As the nano and microsatellite markets continue to expand - projected to reach $7.3 billion by 2028 - demand for scalable, lightweight power systems has increased significantly. SmallSat launches alone have surged by over 600% since 2019.

"Much like the drone industry, the small and CubeSat industry are growing rapidly," Zimmerman explained. "Packet Digital's common mission among both industries is the desire for increased power while reducing weight so larger payloads can be carried. Our team has proven that our power solutions are the best choice when it comes to pairing efficiency, power and weight reduction. This new CubeSat power design will be yet another reason to choose Packet Digital for your power needs."