TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: NanoSatellite Atmospheric Chemistry Hyperspectral Observation System (NACHOS)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has issued a Special Notice for a Technology Licensing Opportunity for the NanoSatellite Atmospheric Chemistry Hyperspectral Observation System (NACHOS). NACHOS is a compact CubeSat instrument designed for high-resolution detection and mapping of trace gases in Earth's atmosphere, enabling low-cost environmental monitoring from space. This opportunity is for companies interested in licensing this TRL 7, patent-pending technology for commercial innovation. Responses for licensing discussions are encouraged by February 18, 2026.
Technology Overview
NACHOS addresses the challenge of miniaturizing high-sensitivity, high-resolution atmospheric gas detection instruments without sacrificing performance. It packs the capabilities of large hyperspectral imagers into a CubeSat form factor, featuring a rugged, thermally stable design, no-moving-parts LED onboard calibration, and onboard data processing to reduce raw hyperspectral data into easily transmittable gas maps. This design ensures precise optical alignment in harsh space conditions and scalability for satellite constellations.
Key Advantages & Applications
Key advantages include rapid deployment via low-cost CubeSat launches, high spectral and spatial resolution (up to 100x finer detail than existing satellites), enhanced revisit rates, and lower mission costs. The technology offers broader accessibility for smaller agencies and research institutions and is multi-platform adaptable for ground, airborne, and drone deployments. Potential market applications span Environmental Monitoring & Compliance, Disaster Detection & Response, Defense & National Security, and Commercial Remote Sensing & Geospatial Services.
Licensing Details
LANL's licensing program aims to move inventions like NACHOS from research to commercial innovation. Patented and patent-pending technologies are available through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. Interested parties should contact LANL for specific discussions. This notice is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.
Timeline & Contact
- Response Date for Licensing Interest: February 18, 2026
- Published Date: January 27, 2026
- Contact: Mike Erickson or Lindsay Augustyn at licensing@lanl.gov