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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
This project will create the capability to emulate NASA ground stations and spacecraft for interactions with experimenter systems through an emulated channel environment. Current NASA communications infrastructure characteristics will be used to predict relevant spectral performance metrics of a candidate system within a Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform, emulating behavior of a physical implementation when sending and receiving data through the channel. This approach overcomes limitations of benchtop measurements and brings NASA closer to alignment with industry Over The Air (OTA) test capabilities.
A validated Digital Twin of NASA communications assets will enable pre-flight evaluation of technologies in a relevant operational environment to improve communications fidelity and system interoperability.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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