(Re)Think Space.
Relative Dynamics Inc. is a Laurel, MD-based aerospace engineering firm and think-tank founded in 2011, serving NASA, the Department of Defense, NOAA, and commercial space clients. Specialized disciplines span satellite communications, astrodynamics, guidance navigation and control (GNC), systems engineering, mission operations, and advanced R&D. Programs supported include Artemis, Lunar Gateway, the International Space Station, and multiple NASA SBIR and STTR awards.
NAICS: 334511, 517410, 518210, 541690, 541330, 541712
Kush PatelFounder and CEO
Shuby AmbardekarChief Growth Officer
Dr. Michael KrainakChief Technology Officer
Antriksh PatelChief Operating Officer
Jaime KlineVP of Operations
Terry BlankenshipVP of Business Development
Precision optical and RF communications design for satellites and space vehicles, with past performance on Artemis, Lunar Gateway, Human Space Flight, and the International Space Station. Capabilities include link-margin analysis, spectrum analysis and allocation, communication trade studies, and modulation analysis.
Full lifecycle spacecraft operations for complex NASA and government programs, from pre-mission support and readiness testing through on-orbit flight operations and ground systems engineering. Expertise spans flight dynamics, conjunction assessment, orbital mechanics, ascent trajectories, rendezvous proximity operations, CONOPS development, simulator testing, lights-out operations, and automation.
Cross-disciplinary technical leadership across the full mission lifecycle, from concept and design through integration, testing, and operations. In-depth hardware and software expertise spans optical test beds, controls systems, robotics, guidance and navigation, and instruments engineering, supporting reliable outcomes for demanding NASA and government programs.
Independent surveillance, audits, reviews, and assessments across design, development, testing, and mission operations to ensure safety and mission success. Quality expertise spanning more than 25 years covers quality assurance, ISO certifications, QMS, process improvement, configuration management, and risk management, alongside lifecycle management, sustaining engineering, and launch operations support.
Advanced hardware and software development across multiple engineering disciplines, targeting next-generation aerospace capabilities. Active areas include optical laser communications, thermal adaptive optics, systems identification methods, hybrid RF/optical systems, photonic integrated circuits, and quantum communications research.
Space · Defense · Federal
Space · 2025 · Client: NASA
Selected with University of Florida partner for a NASA STTR Phase 1 award to develop a high-speed photonic integrated analyzer for quantum states, incorporating quantum squeezing and phase-sensitive amplification (PSA) into photonic integrated circuits for NASA applications in communication, sensing, and computing.
Greenbelt, MD · Federal · 2025 · Client: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Supporting the ARES Corporation team on the Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, providing independent surveillance, audits, reviews, and assessments across design, development, testing, and mission operations to uphold NASA safety and mission standards.
Greenbelt, MD · Federal · 2025 · Client: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Part of the Columbus Technologies and Services team on the Electrical Systems Engineering Services IV (ESES IV) contract at NASA Goddard, delivering electrical systems engineering support for space flight, airborne, and ground system hardware and software, including study, design, development, component fabrication, integration, testing, and operations across a five-year contract valued at up to $1.1 billion.
Space
Development of the Space Communications Optical Universal Terminal (SCOUT), an affordable competitive optical communications payload targeting missions with size, weight, power, and cost constraints. SCOUT supports satellite-to-satellite, satellite-to-Earth, and planetary lander-to-Earth communications, featuring precision pointing technology and an injection-molded high-volume opto-mechanical structure with a high strength-to-weight ratio.