TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI)

The Los Alamos National Laboratory is offering a technology licensing opportunity for the Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI), a simple, easy-to-fly, solar-powered beacon that can be attached to a satellite for tracking. The ELROI solves the space object identification problem by providing an autonomous, low-cost, optical beacon that broadcasts a unique ID from orbit. The key advantages of ELROI include ultra-low SWaP-C, no RF interference, autonomous and passive operation, fast and robust identification, scalable and flexible design, and resilient design. The technology has been demonstrated successfully on LaCE-1 and R5-S4 satellites, providing the first definitive identification for each satellite in orbit ahead of operator or catalog resolution. The market applications for ELROI include space traffic management, regulatory compliance, mission assurance, end-of-life satellite management, and commercial launch services. • The ELROI technology is designed to be easy to implement and enables simple assignment of unique IDs. • The technology is solar-powered, maintaining autonomy even if the satellite loses power. • The ELROI is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fly and taking up minimal satellite real estate. • The technology enables definitive post-launch identification of satellites faster than conventional means. • The ELROI uses optical rather than radio frequency, sidestepping spectrum crowding and regulatory issues.