Initial Flight Test of a Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) Transmitter Prototype for Commercial Space Transportation Using a High-Altitude Balloon

Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)

Description

Testing complete. Work continues under T0061.

To support the periodic launch of reusable launch vehicles, some sanitization of the airspace must occur to ensure that the area around the launch and landing sites are clear of air traffic. One of the major concerns is the uncertainty of the vehicle’s descent path, especially while flying under parachute. This project aims to evaluate a prototype UAT-based (Universal Access Transceiver) ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transponder developed to support commercial space transportation. A UAT-based ADS-B receiver will provide the same capabilities that an ADS-B receiver provides for manned space flight. It broadcasts to ground-based and airborne receivers the current altitude and position of the vehicle once per second. It is anticipated that the developed prototype will become a standard payload on any flight of reusable launch vehicles once it has been proven robust and reliable.

Benefits

The objective of the proposed flight opportunity is to create a path through empirical analysis to mature the UBR-ERAU prototype toward a design that can be utilized by NASA, FAA, and commercial space transportation providers such as Virgin Galactic to support asset tracking and better airspace integration.

Details

Technology area	Flight Vehicle Systems > Aeroscience > Aeroacoustics
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Start date	2012-10-15
End date	2015-10-15

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Richard Stansbury
Massood Towhidnejad

How to get involved

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.