Satellite Technology

Satellite technology enables us to communicate, assess the health of our planet, and monitor global security initiatives. SRI has delivered advanced satellite technology solutions to clients for decades. SRI’s multidisciplinary research is founded in deep knowledge and technical expertise in these areas:

  • Small satellites: SRI’s sensor technologies increase the number of small satellites that can be launched each year and expand their geosynchronous capabilities. Recent work centers on CubeSats —small satellites for missions dedicated to space weather and atmospheric research. SRI’s expertise in micro- and nanotechnology meets the challenge of reducing the size, mass, and power needs of sensors

  • Launch integration services: SRI contributes to a rich pipeline of 50 to 100 launches per year for several government agencies, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

  • Mission support: SRI provides ubiquitous situational awareness, ground support, and sensor nets.

  • GPS navigation: SRI regularly monitors the L-band transmissions of all newly launched and operational Global Positioning System satellites to verify that they are performing reliably.

  • Satellite calibrations: SRI calibrates transmissions using the SRI "Dish", a 150-foot-wide radio antenna. 

Projects

Two SRI researchers work on a RAX CubeSat
Radio Aurora Explorer (RAX) CubeSat

Disruptions in Earth's ionosphere from solar activity can cause communications blackouts, negatively affecting GPS and radio signals. SRI’s revolutionary small satellites offer a novel way to monitor such conditions.

Topics: Atmospheric Studies GPS Tracking + Precision Navigation Homeland Security + National Defense Satellite Technology Space Technology Systems Architecture + Engineering

Products + Solutions

man in cleanroom prepares imaging products for delivery
Imaging Solutions

From sensor design and development to the packaging and manufacturing of high-performance sensors and cameras, SRI delivers a complete imaging solution.

Topics: Imaging Technologies Intelligence, Surveillance + Reconnaissance Low-Light CMOS Imaging Medical Imaging Remote Sensing Satellite Technology Sensors Space Technology

Press Releases

image of auroral sky
Space Weather Researchers from SRI International and University of Michigan Take First-Ever Measurement of Auroral Turbulence Using a Nanosatellite Radar Receiver

Space weather researcher have taken the first-ever measurement of naturally occurring auroral turbulence recorded using a nanosatellite radar receiver.

Topics: Advanced Radar Atmospheric Studies GPS Tracking + Precision Navigation Satellite Technology Space Technology

SRI In the News

Arecibo Telescope to Have New Management

According to this article, the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico will now be managed by a consortium of organizations including SRI, the Universities Space Research Association, Universidad Metropolitana, and other institutions.

Topics: Advanced Radar Atmospheric Studies Satellite Technology Space Technology
Rocket Loaded With Solar Sail and Satellites Blasts Off From Alaska

This news story reports that the Minotaur 4 rocket, carrying seven different satellites, including one that will attempt to deploy a small solar sail into orbit, successfully blasted off from the Alaska Aerospace Corporation's Kodiak Launch Complex on Nov. 19.

Topics: Satellite Technology Space Technology

Divisions, Centers + Labs