Swarm Array Coherent Combining (SACC)

Teltriums Swarm Array Coherent Combining (SACC) invention was motivated by the goal of architecting a true modular, scalable, replenishable space relay system that would lower the life-cycle costs of todays platforms such as the venerable NASA Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRS). TDRS has been a silent workhorse of real-time Low Earth Orbiting satellite communications since the 1980s. But unfortunately, TDRS and other geostationary relay satellites have traditionally been based on large, costly, and inflexible spacecraft and network architectures, which diminishes their business and operational attractiveness. SACC enables more capable satellite relay functionality in a simple and scalable way, by using multiple uncoupled small relay nodes that collectively offer the equivalent capability of a large monolithic satellite. This approach translates to decreased development costs as several small single relays are less expensive and quicker to manufacture compared with a functionally equivalent large monolithic satellite. During Phase II, we developed an initial low-data rate architecture for a TDRS compatible architecture using uncoupled SmallSats. Using this baseline, our goal is to extrapolate and establish a cost-effective, low-risk and robust pathway for also providing robust high data rate services to current users and those of the future. In support of this goal, we propose an 8 month Phase IIe effort to: Generate detailed requirements for all segments of the architecture to a level wherein preliminary specifications are provided to underpin our Implementation Plan (Item 3 below); address any gaps that are exposed during requirements and architecture definition process. Conduct technology demos to increase the SBIR Phase II TRL6 to at least 7 or possibly 8. Develop an Implementation Plan that guides NASA in the deployment of a new relay system concept to support its KaSA users in a cost-effective and flexible way using SmallSats.

As NASA continues to explore our solar system, there is always a need for communications. With the vast emergence of smallsats both to do science and to support communications, the SACC SSRS represents a resilient, flexible and efficient way to leverage these smallsats to provide these NASA communications needs. In particular, because the SSRS imposes negligible requirements both on the swarm and its constituent transponder nodes, it can be easily designed and operationalized to support NASA communications over all space regimes. There is an ever-growing number of commercial smallsat constellations being deployed to support connectivity to the INTERNET. There are always issues related to achievable data rates and visibility to ground stations. Our SSRS offers the robust flexibility to create swarms of any size to address data rates. The SSRS also accommodates crosslinks between swarms with no impact on our SACC processing.

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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