Advanced Range and Data Architecture Phase II (ARDA)

The Advanced Range Data Architecture (ARDA) Phase II effort builds on the research done in the previous year’s (FY22) IRAD project. The primary goal of this effort is to design a viable publish-subscribe data distribution solution that can run parallel to existing data distribution schemes. This effort will integrate with current modernization efforts of the Wallops Range Mission Network (RMN) to produce a homogeneous solution that addresses both data and network infrastructure needs for such a system.

Benefits for Wallops Range:

• A fault-tolerant data network that incorporates quality-of-service (QoS) measurements: Within the general DDS architecture, QoS measurements are built-in, and can be configured to comply with range and/or mission needs for latency, reliability, etc.;
• Simplify communications: The Publish Subscribe model reduces complexity by removing all the point-to-point connections with a single connection to a message topic, which will manage subscriptions to decide what messages should be delivered to which endpoints. Fewer callbacks results in looser coupling and code that’s easier to maintain and extend. Also, data interfaces are standardized with an industry standard, rather than a homegrown solution.
• Decouple and scale data senders and receivers: Publishers and subscribers are decoupled and work independently from each other, which allows you to develop and scale each side independently.
• Built-in encryption options within the architecture: Message topics authenticate applications that try to publish content, and allow you to use encrypted endpoints to encrypt messages in transit over the network.
• Mitigate human error: An easily configurable data distribution model would reduce custom software and hardware configurations that are done before each mission.
• Allows for more rapid development and deployment of Range software systems: Using a standardized data communication interface that is widely supported will allow the Range to create, test, and deploy software with less development and testing time. New applications won’t have to “reinvent the wheel” every time.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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