Packet Digital is proud to announce the award of $7,999,913 contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop highly-efficient and reliable space power components for future U.S. space missions. Work is slated to begin in July 2021, and is expected to be completed by June 28, 2024.
Packet Digital’s development will focus on replacing current spacecraft power system hardware, which is reaching its technological limit in regards to power density and efficiency. Additionally, current power system hardware footprint and weight can be dramatically reduced by implementing advanced technologies.
“Packet Digital is thrilled to have been awarded this contract to develop high-efficiency maximum power point tracking (MPPTs) for future space operations”, said Terri Zimmerman, CEO of Packet Digital. “Our team of engineers is looking forward to tackling this exciting project, and creating MPPTs that will be a part of space operations for years to come,” Zimmerman continued.
Utilizing redundant switching gallium nitride based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for the satellite electrical power system, Packet Digital will be able to design a power module that will not only reduce size, but also increase efficiency, power density, radiation robustness, and lifespan in comparison to current, silicon based components.
“This Air Force Research Laboratory contract is strategically aligned with our expertise in power management,” said Zimmerman. “Packet Digital’s team has decades of experience developing high-efficiency power management systems, and we’re excited to take on the challenging work of developing cutting edge power management systems for space operations.”