BANC3 Awarded Emergent CubeSat Technology Project for SkyGrid™ SDR
BANC3 was awarded an Emergent CubeSat Technology (ECT) project through NSTXL SpEC in support of U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC) to advance SkyGrid™ SDR, a low-SWaP, wideband software-defined radio payload delivering spectrum coverage up to 36 GHz in a 1U CubeSat form factor.
As part of its Emergent CubeSat Technology (ECT) project awarded through the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) in support of U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC), BANC3 is developing an advanced SkyGrid™ software-defined radio (SDR) payload for CubeSat platforms.
The SkyGrid™ SDR payload is designed to significantly expand both frequency range and operational bandwidth compared to existing CubeSat SDR technologies. The architecture supports spectrum coverage up to 36 GHz, with programmable bandwidth ranging from tens of megahertz to more than one gigahertz, while maintaining a simplified RF front end to minimize size, weight, and power (SWaP). Key techniques include programmable bandwidth control, fast tuning, and variable waveform generation, enabling flexible mission configurations.
The proposed SkyGrid™ configuration offers low-SWaP integration within a standard 1U CubeSat volume (100 × 100 × 100 mm), making it suitable for space-constrained missions without sacrificing performance. The fully programmable SDR architecture supports dual-channel, full-duplex operation, enabling improved resilience, greater operational flexibility, and access to a wider range of ground infrastructure.
Beyond defense applications, the same SkyGrid™ SDR technology is well suited for non-defense government and select commercial satellite missions. The payload provides a highly reliable, redundant communications capability across L, S, C, X, Ku, K, and Ka bands in a single package, allowing host CubeSats to support multiple waveforms and improve mission adaptability.
"We are excited to support Space Systems Command on the ECT program and to develop a next-generation SDR capability for CubeSat missions," said Fred Ilsemann, Vice President of Research & Development at BANC3. "Our team is leveraging prior experience delivering extremely wideband software-defined RF systems as we advance the SkyGrid™ SDR front-end. We also see strong potential for transitioning this technology to non-defense applications."
"This NSTXL SpEC award reflects our continued commitment to the warfighter and to advancing critical next-generation space systems," said Babu Cherukuri, CEO of BANC3. "The program builds on BANC3's proven delivery of digital, real-time, high probability-of-intercept RF receiver and direction-finding systems supporting national security space missions."
BANC3 is a developer and manufacturer of extremely wide instantaneous bandwidth software-defined RF systems for spectrum monitoring and space communications. Its products currently support national security satellite launch and on-orbit operations, addressing the growing threat environment facing U.S. space assets.
BANC3 Continues to Progress Air Force Contract for Helmet Augmented Display for Extended-Reality System (HADES)
HADES™ is BANC3's AI-powered wearable intelligence platform designed to support situational awareness, training, and decision-making in complex operational environments. The system leverages AI to fuse, analyze, and prioritize data streams, enabling users to rapidly interpret information and respond effectively under dynamic conditions.
A lightweight augmented reality (AR) interface complements the AI engine by presenting mission-relevant insights directly within the user's field of view. This hands-free interaction reduces cognitive load and supports more intuitive engagement during training and operational scenarios.
HADES™ integrates AI-driven data fusion with precision spatial tracking, combining camera-based tracking and ultra-wideband (UWB) sensing to deliver accurate, multi-user positional awareness. This architecture enables realistic interaction with people, tools, and objects in physical environments while maintaining the tracking fidelity required for advanced training and mission rehearsal.
Augmented Reality System for U.S. Army
BANC3, Inc., an Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technology pioneer and leading provider of end-to-end digital AR/MR ecosystems, continues to successfully perform on a Phase III contract awarded by the Army Contracting Command - New Jersey (ACC-NJ) at Picatinny Arsenal. Under this initial two-year contract, BANC3 is developing advanced AR capabilities for integrated fire control systems in support of U.S. Army mission requirements.
The work includes the development of a fire control system for the Mounted Machine Gun Optic (MMO), integrating with the High Explosive Dual Purpose Airburst (HEDP-AB) ammunition programming unit (PU). This system leverages BANC3's proprietary AR technologies to enable enhanced targeting, visualization, and operational effectiveness for mounted weapon platforms, advancing next-generation fire control solutions for the U.S. Army.
Laser Warning Receiver Support SME and Technical Support
BANC3 provides specialized Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) engineering support for U.S. Army ground combat and tactical vehicle survivability programs. Our LWR Subject Matter Expert (SME) works directly with Government engineering organizations to support the technical assessment, integration, and modernization of LWR systems across Army ground vehicle platforms.
BANC3's support focuses on the operational performance of LWR sensors against battlefield laser threats, including detection coverage, threat classification, response timing, false-alarm behavior, and robustness under realistic environmental and combat conditions. Technical input is provided to support LWR trade studies, system evaluations, and acquisition decisions to ensure compatibility with ground vehicle survivability architectures.
Working closely with Army engineering leads and I2WD, BANC3 supports the development and execution of LWR performance test plans, including laboratory characterization, vehicle-level integration, and qualification testing. During test and integration events, BANC3 provides hands-on technical support to assess sensor performance, interface compatibility, and system behavior within ground vehicle environments.
In support of fleet-wide commonality and sustainment, BANC3 maintains configuration control of the Army Ground Vehicle LWR performance specification and supports vehicle Program Managers to ensure required performance, environmental, reliability, maintainability, quality, and training requirements are met across current and future ground combat platforms.