Engineering – Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

Astra Secures Contract with Defense Innovation Unit

California launch company Astra has secured a significant boost for its upcoming Rocket 4 with a new contract from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Announced on October 23rd, the deal underscores the potential of Astra’s “tactically responsive launch system” and could propel the company back into the spotlight.

The DIU, a U.S. military organization focused on utilizing commercial technologies, has pledged up to $44 million to support Astra. This funding will be directed towards “advancing and scaling the production capabilities” of Astra’s launch system, ultimately aiming for a successful launch of Rocket 4. The contract allows for launches from various locations, including the United States and Australia.

This news comes after a challenging period for Astra. Their previous Rocket 3 program experienced several setbacks, culminating in a failed June 2022 launch that left two NASA hurricane-tracking satellites stranded in the wrong orbit. These difficulties led to internal restructuring, including the company going private earlier this year.

The DIU contract signifies a renewed confidence in Astra’s capabilities. With this crucial financial backing, Astra is poised to make a comeback with the more powerful and versatile Rocket 4.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Northwood Space Passes First Test in Space Communication

TulsaLabs and AI VentureTech Join Together for Space Research

Bridgit Mendler’s startup, Northwood Space, has passed its first major development test by connecting with Planet Labs imagery satellites in orbit. The startup, based in El Segundo, California, aims to provide a data highway between earth and space.

“We’re building this global network to send data for satellites, built off of phased array technology that we have now successfully validated, both in the lab and in the field,” Mendler, Northwood’s CEO, told CNBC.

The company develops ground stations which, once successful, will be mass-produced. Designed with a phased array-based system, they hypothesize that their approach will outperform the parabolic dish antennas traditionally used in ground stations.

Prototype testing took place in Maddock, North Dakota. The prototype antenna was positioned and a connection established using telemetry, tracking, and control methods. The test was two-fold, evaluating connectivity in both S-band and X-band frequencies. Planet Labs heralded Northwood’s test as a “major milestone.”

“We were able to achieve bi-directional communications for the full duration of a pass with Planet’s satellites and achieved nominal communications for them. They were able to perform their operations as they would on their own system,” said Bridgit Mendler, CEO.

The company plans to deploy Portal sites that can support as many as 10 simultaneous satellite connections, with data rates over 1 gigabit per second per beam, beginning next year. Northwood is currently assessing locations in the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand for its first Portal sites.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Noblis Secures Space in New NASA Contract

Noblis, Inc. has been selected as a key teammate on a new NASA Academic Mission Services 2 (NAMS-2) contract. The five-year, $121 million contract is being led by Crown Consulting, Inc. with plans to provide aerospace and technology research and development (R&D) support for NASA’s Ames Research Center.

“We are excited to join this collaborative team of experts across government, industry and academia,” said Mile Corrigan, Noblis’ president and CEO. “Noblis’ commitment to innovation and excellence aligns with NASA’s goal to advance new technologies from R&D to mission ready.”

Noblis has experience across a broad spectrum of industries and has previously worked with a wide range of government clients in the defense, homeland security, intelligence, law enforcement and federal civil sectors.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Mowrator to Display New Tech at Kentucky Expo

Mowrator, the world’s first remote-controlled mower, is showcasing their advanced lawn mower technology at GIE Expo in Kentucky.

The 2024 expo will take place from October 15-18, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. As one of the leading trade events for outdoor power equipment and lawn care, the expo will provide a platform for Mowrator to demonstrate its cutting-edge mowers, designed to address the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial users.

Mowrator’s technology goes beyond a typical lawn mower, integrating GPS navigation, safety sensors, and energy efficient engines to make lawn care easier than ever.

The company’s focus on sustainability will also be highlighted through the inclusion of electric-powered models, aimed at reducing fuel consumption while maintaining high standards of performance. Mowrator will further demonstrate its commitment to innovation by introducing additional mower attachments, designed to perform tasks such as mulching and snow removal. These advancements reflect the company’s approach to offering versatile solutions for modern lawn care.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Whisper Aero Scores NASA Contract

Tennessee’s space startup, Whisper Aero, has announced a new NASA contract to design an extremely quiet fan.

Crewed spacecraft – from station modules to transportation vehicles – are surprisingly loud. Hooked up with life support systems, electronic fans, radios and more, the spacecraft is ringing with noise at all hours. NASA has some concerns about this constant noise and the effect of its exposure on their astronauts.

Whisper Aero’s quiet fan will aim to reduce this overall noise exposure and make space a safer environment for astronauts. The company scored the contract after making a name for themselves with a proprietary ultra-quiet electric propulsor.

At the end of the six-month effort, the startup is aiming to have prototype parts to show to NASA; if the agency deems this Phase 1 project successful, Whisper would likely move on to test a design prototype next year.

After a successful first phase, Phase 2 will compare the acoustic and aerodynamic estimates from this project to the standard NASA Spacecraft Cabin Ventilation Fan. NASA has developed a fan that achieves 66 decibels (dB) at two feet. Whisper Aero is aiming to meet or exceed 61 dB – while also being 75% more efficient.

Given the environment the fan will be in – which is outerspace – a direct translation of their already quiet propulsion technology will not be possible. Whisper Aero will need to address a few challenges that space introduces. For instance – the fan may need to run for much, much longer than their existing propulsor.

Noise is “a challenge that often is forgotten until it’s too late, and then you can’t change it,” Whisper Aero COO Ian Villasaid. “You can’t fix it. We’ve seen this time and time again on aircraft. It’s almost refreshing to see this in spacecraft, in that they’re actually trying to do something about it at NASA.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

BurnBot Raises $20M to Revolutionize Wildfire Prevention with Mechanized Solutions

Florida Patent of the Month - December 2021

In a significant move towards combating destructive wildfires, BurnBot, Inc. has announced the close of a successful Series A funding round, securing $20 million in financing to expand its mechanized vegetation management and fuel treatment solutions. Led by ReGen Ventures, with participation from several prominent investors, this funding will propel BurnBot’s mission to revolutionize wildfire prevention through innovative technology.

At the heart of BurnBot’s innovation is the RX, a mechanized prescribed fire system designed to amplify prescribed fire capacity while minimizing risk. This technology enables small crews to treat areas ten times faster and more efficiently, even near communities and critical infrastructure, making it safe for year-round use.

Partnering with organizations like CAL FIRE, BurnBot’s technology has already made significant strides in wildfire prevention across California and Oregon. From precisely deploying prescribed fire under high-voltage transmission lines to clearing hazardous brush around evacuation routes, BurnBot’s solutions have proven instrumental in mitigating wildfire risks.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Solstar Space Co.’s Innovations Propel Communication in Low Earth Orbit

Solstar Space Co., based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is making strides in space technology with its recent $1.25 million Small Business Innovation Phase II research contract from AFWERX, the U.S. Air Force’s innovation arm. This contract aims to tackle critical challenges faced by the Department of Defense, particularly in the realm of space communications.

At the forefront of Solstar’s development efforts is the Continuous Spacecraft System Communications Wideband (CSSC-WB) unit, also known as the Slayton Space Communicator. Designed to revolutionize communication in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the Slayton Space Communicator offers high-speed downlink and uplink capabilities, enhancing connectivity with spacecraft and personnel operating in this vital region of space.

The significance of Solstar’s innovation lies in its ability to minimize communication blackout periods caused by limited ground station links. With the Slayton Space Communicator, Solstar aims to provide near real-time access to large data files, including remote sensing images and video streams. Brian Barnett, CEO of Solstar Space, emphasizes the importance of such capabilities as LEO becomes increasingly congested, highlighting the need for complete situational awareness for organizations like the U.S. Space Force.

In light of recent incidents involving space debris, such as the unexpected crash of a piece of hardware from the International Space Station, the importance of effective communication and monitoring in space has become more apparent than ever. Solstar’s innovative solutions not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to improving safety and efficiency in space operations.

As Solstar Space continues its research and development efforts with the support of AFWERX and other partners, the future of space communication looks promising. With its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, Solstar is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of space exploration and satellite communication.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Falcomm Secures $4M in Successful Seed Funding Round

New Mexico Patent of the Month - August 2021

In a monumental stride for Atlanta’s semiconductor sector, Falcomm, Inc. has secured its first direct investment from Georgia Tech’s Research Impact Fund. This investment has come through the company’s first funding round. The seed round pulled in a total of $4 million with participation from Squadra Ventures, Cambium Capital, Draper Cygnus, and the Georgia Tech Foundation. This substantial capital injection serves as a testament to Falcomm’s prowess and marks a pivotal juncture for the company’s research and development initiatives.

At the heart of Falcomm’s recent success lies its dedication to cutting-edge research in semiconductor technology. The infusion of funding from Georgia Tech’s Research Impact Fund not only affirms confidence in Falcomm’s potential but also recognizes the company’s critical role in advancing semiconductor innovations.

The semiconductor startup has a new type of power amplifier for the wireless communications market. Its Dual-Drive PA, which founder Edgar Garay developed as a PhD candidate at Tech, can improve the power and efficiency of wireless signal transmissions in satellites, IoT devices, wearables, and cell phones.

The vision of Falcomm extends beyond conventional semiconductor applications, aiming to usher in a new era of technological possibilities. The company envisions innovations that can have far-reaching impacts, from enhancing communication systems to influencing advancements in healthcare.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

PassiveLogic: Pioneering the Future of Generative Autonomy

Wyoming Patent of the Month - December 2021

PassiveLogic, Inc., the Salt Lake City-based creator of the first platform for generative autonomy, has announced their inaugural keynote event. The event will stream at 11:00 am MT on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

The company is focused on redefining the landscape of generative autonomy. With their groundbreaking platform, they are at the forefront of a revolution that promises to reduce carbon footprints and drive the creation of smarter, more eco-conscious cities.

The keynote event, titled PassiveLogic 2023 Launch Event: A Radical Breakthrough in Generative Autonomy” marks a milestone in the company’s work to deliver full autonomy to the world. Generative autonomy is an essential development in artificial intelligence (AI), advancing the technology from monolithically trained, single-purpose applications to flexible, dynamic general purpose systems. This technology is the basis for enabling full autonomy for any controlled system. Built on Quantum,the first physics-based digital twin standard and ontology for autonomous systems, PassiveLogic’s generative autonomy empowers anyone to design and implement their own autonomous system.

The event will feature presentations from Founder and CEO Troy Harvey, CTO Jeremy Fillingim, and some of the world’s leading experts in AI, digital twins, compilers, autonomous systems, generative design, user experience, and hardware who will provide a detailed look into PassiveLogic’s technology.

One of PassiveLogic’s key innovations is its ability to make autonomous control decisions at the edge of a building’s systems. This real-time adaptability ensures that energy is used efficiently and that occupants enjoy optimal comfort. It’s a game-changer in an industry that has long been characterized by rigid, centralized control systems.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Space Tango’s New CEO Charts a Course for Groundbreaking Research and Development in Space

Space Tango, the pioneering Kentucky-based startup renowned for conducting innovative research and science experiments on the International Space Station (ISS), recently announced Sita Sonty as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), heralding a new era of leadership and innovation for the company.

Sonty brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously led the space industry practice at the Boston Consulting Group and served as the Head of Human Spaceflight Sales at SpaceX. Her appointment signifies Space Tango’s commitment to advancing microgravity applications in diverse fields, including hardware, software, materials science, biotechnology, and medicine.

Co-founder Twyman Clements, who has been at the helm, will continue to play a pivotal role in the company as President, providing valuable continuity and expertise. Under Sonty’s leadership, Space Tango aims to expand its business, leveraging its “proven flight payload heritage, a dedicated customer base, and cutting-edge commercial use cases.” These endeavors hold the potential to revolutionize medicine and additive manufacturing in the unique environment of space.

Founded in 2014, Space Tango emerged from a partnership between Twyman Clements and Kris Kimel, the former CEO of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation. Their shared vision was to simplify and enhance access to space-based research and product development. Today, the company stands as a commercial spinoff of Kentucky Space, a nonprofit consortium comprising universities and public and private organizations, with a presence in Kentucky, Texas, Florida, California, and Washington, D.C.

Through a NASA Space Act Agreement, Space Tango has been providing state-of-the-art facilities on the ISS since 2017 to support research and development as well as manufacturing. Their mission centers on harnessing the microgravity environment as a new frontier for discovery and innovation.

Space Tango envisions a future where groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and technology emerge from space-based research, and they are committed to creating a global market 250 miles above Earth’s surface. By collaborating with diverse industry and educational partners, Space Tango seeks to improve life on Earth and inspire future generations to explore the limitless possibilities of space.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.