CHRP-I: Adding Imagery to a low-cost multi-network / multi-path horizontal communications communication hub and routing platform

CHRP-I provides the capability to send and receive imagery over a low-cost mesh network. The data will then be transferred when available over a high bandwidth SATCOM link to Fire management personnel. Groups have been exploring methods of sending “Multi-Packet LoRa (MPLR), for transmission of large messages, such as images, in LoRa networks”. The consensus is that it is “challenging but possible with some using new protocols in order to alleviate the low data rate that LoRa has, while others use the physical layer in order to overcome the packet collision problem and few methods deal with the compact image representation” . There have been hobbyists developing solutions. A library called loracamera allows transmission of sound and images over a 915MHz LoRa link to a base station near a Wi-Fi connection. Currently it is set up to a send a frame from a serial TTL camera and a few seconds of sound from a microphone, but it can be adapted for most data using LoRa directly. CHRP-I will provide a carry-on solution for ground personnel and aircraft.

NASA will find use with CHRP for the sending of imagery for aerial firefighting. Non-commercialization applications include aerial firefighting and medical services on manned aircraft where patient data is required.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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