Definitive Contract #80NSSC27C0041

Definitive Contract for Thin-Film Lithium Niobate Crystal Growth for ISS Manufacturing

This definitive contract has been awarded to Goeppert LLC, a specialist in advanced material science and crystal growth technologies, to develop thin-film lithium niobate single crystals through liquid phase epitaxy. The contract supports innovative research focused on creating high-quality thin-film materials tailored for manufacturing applications aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This effort is part of the agency's advanced materials program, emphasizing the strategic importance of enabling new manufacturing capabilities in microgravity environments. The scope involves the precise growth of single-crystal lithium niobate films using specialized epitaxial techniques, crucial for enhancing space-based fabrication processes. The contract was secured through a competitive selection process, reflecting substantial investment in cutting-edge space manufacturing technologies. The work is scheduled for completion over a slightly more than one-year period, beginning in late 2026 and concluding by the end of 2027, with the performance taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This project marks a significant advancement in materials fabrication for aerospace manufacturing and scientific research in space, potentially influencing future in-orbit production methods.

Description

SBIR PHASE II THIN-FILM LITHIUM NIOBATE SINGLE-CRYSTAL GROWTH VIA LIQUID PHASE EPITAXY FOR ISS-BASED MANUFACTURING

View original record