Sep 10 2008
SA Photonics, an engineering company focused on photonics-based solutions, today announced its win of the US Air Force Phase 2 SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract to build a space-qualified MEMS switch system, using the Glimmerglass Intelligent Optical switch module.
Under the terms of the contract, SA Photonics will build and test a ruggedized version of an all optical 3D MEMS switch system. SA Photonics selected the Glimmerglass switch as the core switch module, embedding the switch engine within a specialized housing suitable for use in space.
“The explosion in the amount of data gathered and shipped around the world is driving the expansion of satellite as well as terrestrial networks,” said SA Photonics president Jim Coward. “Optical switches offer enormous flexibility and efficiency in relation to their cost and physical size, so they are an obvious pick for space use.”
SA Photonics believes that its experience in fielding space-borne hardware, their adaption of a robust and commercially proven technology, the Glimmerglass switch’s exceptionally small form factor, and the close working relationship between the two companies were all factors in the contract award.
“We’re very pleased by SA Photonics’ and the Air Force’s confidence in our technology,” said Robert Lundy, CEO of Glimmerglass. “While our products are known for their field reliability and remote access management, this location will be the most extreme example of “remote” that we’ve encountered.”