Conference Focuses On Tiny Technologies For Satellites

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rapid advances in satellite-based communication systems can barely keep pace with the demand from NASA, the military and consumers. Sponsored by the University of Arkansas and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AMAPS 2003, the 3rd Annual Advanced Microelectronics and Photonics for Satellites Conference will address this critical issue June 24-26.

Hosted by the GENESIS Technology Incubator, AMAPS will bring together more than 50 technology developers and representatives from various government agencies, including the AFRL at Kirkland Air Force Base in New Mexico, the Air Force Space Missile Command, the Army Research Laboratory, the Aerospace Corporation and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

AMAPS specifically targets research and development in advanced microelectronic and photonic technologies and applications for space-based assets. The goal is to transition technologies developed through the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program into innovative solutions to technological problems for satellite applications. One of the unique features of this conference format is the dissemination of knowledge among those organizations responsible for satellite development by the coordination and scheduling of review meetings addressing those technical requirements generated through SBIR Program Offices.

AMAPS began through the combined efforts of Chuck Chalfant from Space Photonics Inc. and Douglas Craig from AFRL. It was designed to promote research and development of advanced technologies for satellite applications that are supported by the AFRL through the Air Force Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program. In addition to its in-house program, the AFRL works closely with Air Force Special Programs Offices (SPOs) such as Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and Space-Based Infrared Sensors Low Orbit (SBIRS LO) in developing research topics.

Representatives from 14 companies currently working on SBIR contracts associated with microelectronics and photonics for satellites will also attend AMAPS. Invited speakers include a keynote addresses by Dr. Yolanda King from Spacecraft Technology and presentations by Dr. Lawrence Robertson, Scott Tyson from Space Electronics & Protection Branch of AFRL, John "Jack" Lawrence from The Aerospace Corporation and Bob Acree, Program Manager for Space Antenna Technologies.

Additional information about the conference is available at the AMAPS 2003 website at http://www.uark.edu/admin/rsspinfo/amaps/.

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