Helio completes NASA antenna vibration test milestone
Helio Corporation successfully completed vibration testing for the brake and shoe assembly of its deployable 6-meter antenna and boom system under a NASA Phase II SBIR grant. The company's NASA SBIR portfolio totals approximately $3.05 million, with three active programs worth about $1.77 million. Helio estimates a contract pipeline of approximately $12 million, with 55% focused on lunar initiatives.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Helio Corporation has successfully completed vibration testing for the brake and shoe assembly of its deployable 6-meter antenna and boom system. This milestone was achieved under a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The testing validates a critical subsystem within the antenna deployment architecture, advancing the program toward full prototype integration and future system-level testing.
The achievement builds on Helio's NASA SBIR portfolio, which has secured approximately $3.05 million across five Phase I awards and three Phase II awards over about four years. The company currently estimates a contract pipeline of approximately $12 million, consisting of active program backlog and pending contract opportunities. More than half (55%) of this pipeline represents lunar-related initiatives.
Helio currently has three active NASA-funded programs representing approximately $1.77 million advancing through prototype development, testing, and validation. The deployable antenna system is engineered to address requirements for high-bandwidth communications, Earth observation, and deep space exploration while fitting within the volume constraints of launch vehicles.
Strategic Funding and Development
Management emphasizes that this funding strategy enables continued innovation while minimizing equity dilution. The deployable antenna program reflects Helio's strategy of transforming government-sponsored research into commercially relevant aerospace technologies.
Program Overview
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total SBIR Awards | $3.05 million |
| Active Programs Value | $1.77 million |
| Estimated Pipeline | $12 million |
| Lunar Pipeline Share | 55% |
Ed Cabrera, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Helio Corporation, highlighted the disciplined process of designing, testing, and learning. He stated that every successful test moves the company closer to technologies supporting the next generation of commercial and government space missions. Helio specializes in advanced space power and engineering solutions, supporting clients including NASA and global space agencies.
What is the projected timeline for moving from full prototype integration to commercial deployment of the 6-meter antenna system?
How does Helio plan to convert the remaining 45% of its non-lunar pipeline into secured contracts given the current focus on lunar initiatives?
Will the success of this vibration testing lead to new SBIR Phase III awards or transition the technology directly to private sector clients?































