AFRL awards Packet Digital $7.2M contract to build space power solutions

September 30, 2024

Packet Digital will leverage its successful power solution to support CubeSats and SmallSats

FARGO, N.D. — Packet Digital is excited to announce it has been awarded an additional $7.2 million as part of its contract with the Air Force Research Lab to build space power solutions. After successfully completing an initial $8-million contract with AFRL in which Packet Digital built a high-powered SmallSat power converter with a 98% efficiency, the follow-on contract was awarded. Now, Packet Digital will leverage that technology and scale for both SmallSat and CubeSat power systems for future space launches.

“North Dakota is leading the way in the future of our nation’s defense, from the ground all the way up into space. This expansion of Packet Digital’s contract with AFRL is a testament to the company’s tremendous record in producing the power systems and batteries our military forces need for cutting-edge missions. Between the original contract we worked to secure in FY2021 and the new follow-on contract using funding we secured in FY2023, Packet Digital has been awarded approximately $15 million from AFRL, which comes in addition to the funding we’ve provided to support the company’s work with the Navy. Further, this award builds upon the partnerships we’ve established across sectors – public, private, state, academic and military – to ensure our nation has the capabilities it needs to stay ahead of our adversaries and give our warfighters the advantage,” said Senator Hoeven.

The next phase of this AFRL project will see the company take the success of its power converter and build power solutions for CubeSats in addition to SmallSats — making it applicable to a broader portion of the spacecraft community. Using this scalable MPPT and PMAD architecture, a full electrical power system (EPS) that fits the CubeSat and SmallSat form factor and power needs will be designed.

“To enter the CubeSat market, we plan on leveraging our SmallSat power converter technology and developing a full battery and battery management system,” Packet Digital CEO Terri Zimmerman said. “We will provide a scalable battery, capable of stacking multiple batteries which will allow for future customer flexibility in mission design as well as a battery management suite to increase battery cell reliability.”

Packet Digital’s world-class enhancement mode gallium nitride (eGaN) dual-switching solar maximum power point tracking (MPPT) power module and distribution (PMAD) on SmallSats maintained a revolutionary 98% efficiency. A key part of Packet Digital’s success with its SmallSat power converter is the ability to maintain high efficiency, while reducing size and weight of the power system, allowing for larger payloads. As the nano and microsatellite markets continue to grow rapidly, the need for a scalable power system that will reduce weight and increase power has never been greater. The two markets are estimated to be worth $7.3 billion by 2028, while SmallSat launches have increased over 600% since 2019.

“Much like the drone industry, the small and CubeSat industry are growing rapidly,” Zimmerman said. “Packet Digital’s common mission among both industries is the desire for increased power while reducing weight so larger payloads can be carried. Our team has proven that our power solutions are the best choice when it comes to pairing efficiency, power and weight reduction. This new CubeSat power design will be yet another reason to choose Packet Digital for your power needs.”

About Packet Digital: Packet Digital is a leading provider of power management solutions for autonomous systems. Founded in 2003, Packet Digital develops and manufactures batteries, chargers, battery management systems, battery fleet management systems, and maximum power point trackers that enable devices to run faster, longer and cooler. Packet Digital’s products are used by customers in various industries, including aerospace, defense, and telecommunications. Packet Digital is headquartered in Fargo, N.D. For more information, visit www.packetdigital.com.

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