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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
The goal of the 5G Array for Lunar Relay Operations – Flight Test (FIGARO-FT) is to advance the TRL of a high-performance, low-cost candidate technology for LunaNet relay nodes that is consistent with the future LTE/ 5G architecture being planned for lunar communications. This flight test is a continuation of prior work funded through the NASA Smallsat Technology Partnership initiative (STP).
Problem Statement 5G technology stands to revolutionize terrestrial cellular communications infrastructure. Since 5G spectrum shares common Ka-band frequencies with NASA space communications systems, an opportunity exists to leverage the short timescale development cycles and high volume (and therefore, low cost) production of commercial technologies to create a high-performance data communications network in a low-cost CubeSat form factor that’s capable of serving the lunar surface and orbiting systems.
Technology Maturation The payload will be integrated onto a high-altitude balloon platform to demonstrate relay operations with two unique mobile ground-based users, representative of users on the lunar surface. A minimum flight experiment duration of 8 hours is anticipated to ensure successful generation and acquisition of links. During flight, pointing solutions for the phased array antenna will be calculated from onboard avionics interfaces and user signal locking, with a separate command/control link as backup.
Summary of Flight Test
2024-09-26 The collaborative research work between Antenna and Microwave Laboratory, San Diego State University and NASA Glenn Research Center to design a flat-panel 5G Array for Lunar Relay Operations (FIGARO) started in the year 2020, which resulted in the development of two wideband array architectures. One of these architectures was selected to be integrated as the payload onboard Aerostar International's high-altitude Cyclone balloon system, which was flown to 98,000 ft altitude to test live video streaming and tracking of the payload array by two ground terminals. The balloon was launched from Aerostar International's hangar at Hurley, South Dakota, and the link was established successfully.
The 5G Array for Lunar Relay Operations –Flight Test (FIGARO-FT) will advance the TRL of a high performance, low cost candidate technology for LunaNet relay nodes that is consistent with the future LTE/ 5G architecture being planned for lunar communications.
Future Customers
NASA’s LunaNet architecture
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