Patent Awarded for Interplanetary Internet System
New Optical Technologies will Enable INSPIRE
The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted a new patent entitled: “Interplanetary Networks for Space Internet and Space Positioning” (Patent No US12,015,472B2). The architecture of the Chascii all-optical INterplanetary SPace InteRnEt (INSPIRE) network is based on this recent patent. It seeks to provide ubiquitous superfast, low-latency connectivity along low-Earth-orbit, cislunar space and beyond.
Chascii is currently developing multiple new optical technologies to enable INSPIRE, an all-optical network that will be the basis for the space Internet. It consists of ground, air and space assets to provide gigabit-level connectivity using free-space lasers. Chascii plans to systematically implement this commercial network in order to provide reliable connectivity to science, commercial and military space users.
Two key technologies make up the INSPIRE system:
SpheroSat: Chascii’s unique all-optical connectivity smallsats, known as SpheroSats, form the building blocks of the INSPIRE network. These nimble spacecraft incorporate novel optical communication systems, enabling ubiquitous omnidirectional fast connectivity. SpheroSats can seamlessly arrange into swarms, acting as network nodes for gradual INSPIRE deployment. Their autonomy and cost-effectiveness make them a powerful solution, providing redundancy and graceful degradation.
Inter-Spacecraft Omnidirectional Optical Communicator (ISOC): The ISOC, another critical technology, ensures fast connectivity, stable link maintenance, and 4π steradian omnidirectional coverage. Chascii is actively developing the ISOC with funding from NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research program. Low Earth orbit testing is slated for early 2025.
Chascii says its commitment to advancing space communication underscores its dedication to a connected future. With INSPIRE, the boundaries of space connectivity are set to expand, opening up new possibilities for exploration, research, and collaboration, the company said.