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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The ADP advanced avionics utilizes NASA ARC’s extensive CubeSat knowledge and capabilities to develop an architecture built for modularity and flexibility to accommodate payloads of varying complexities that meet NASA safety standards for X-style projects. The avionics are comprised of both COTS and custom components with low-cost, short-lead times, and rad-hard options.
Problem Statement
CubeSats represent low-cost, flexible, quick-turn custom platforms to support development of science instruments and space technologies with a high demonstration cadence. However, particularly for NASA tech demos, the utility of CubeSats are artificially constrained by supply-chain delays, lack of volume orders, lengthy contracting processes, and unique & stringent payload requirements. The advanced avionics developed by the Advanced Developments Projects (ADP) team at NASA ARC will overcome those constraints by providing a CubeSat architecture with flexible and modular systems built to enable low-cost, quick-turn tech demos on a 6-9 mo. cadence that meet NASA reliability and safety standards.
Technology Maturation
Functional and performance test of the experimental RF Communication, Navigation, and ADCS systems in the advanced avionics suite.
• Improves workflow: Overcomes the challenges of conventional CubeSat mission development
• Versatile: Accommodates payloads of varying complexity
• Low cost: Produced with commercial off-the-shelf and affordable custom components
Future Customers
- Users: NASA CubeSat programs.
- Applications: Low-cost, quick-turn around future CubeSat technology and science missions to enable exploration beyond LEO.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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