Radiation Tolerant Reconfigurable/Reprogrammable 802.16 Communication System, Phase I

Exploration of planetary surfaces will require a communication architecture that supports operational capabilities in which fixed and mobile assets on the planetary surface can communicate seamlessly and securely. Aeronix understands the issues and believes that the solution lies in the development of radiation tolerant wireless devices that employ the benefits of FPGA technology as an underlying architecture feature. Aeronix is currently developing two technologies that will be directly leveraged. ? A FPGA/DSP based enhanced 802.16-2004 wireless LAN air-to-ground solution targeted for DoD applications with peak throughput of 65.5 Mbps. ? A Radiation Tolerant FPGA based, NSA Crypto Mod compliant cryptographic module for space. The specific problem addressed by this Aeronix Phase I SBIR effort is to identify enhancements to the 802.16-Terrestrial architecture and design required to meet the harsh environmental and radiation conditions expected in space and on planetary exploration missions. The new radiation tolerant communications solution will be identified as 802.16 RadT and will have operational capabilities of 65.5 Mbps / 70 miles. Additionally, this SBIR will address the unique requirements for Information Assurance and Type 1 crypto for classified command, control, and data requirements via integration of radiation tolerant crypto.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.