TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI)

Engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a �license plate� for satellites to help solve the growing problem of space traffic management. The Extremely Low-Resource Optical Identifier (ELROI) is a simple, easy-to-fly, solar-powered beacon that can be attached to a satellite for tracking. Each ELROI unit transmits a custom identification number that can be read from the ground using signal processing techniques also developed at Los Alamos. The Challenge: Identifying space objects after launch remains a persistent challenge. When dozens of satellites are deployed simultaneously, determining which object is which using traditional radar or optical tracking methods is slow, error-prone, or sometimes impossible. This lack of real-time, reliable identification hinders satellite commissioning, increases operational risk, and undermines space traffic management efforts. Unidentified satellites are particularly problematic after their radio systems are disabled or fail. Witho…

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