Open System of Agile Ground Stations, Phase I

There is an opportunity to build the HETE-2/TESS network of ground stations into an innovative and powerful Open System of Agile Stations, by developing a low-cost reconfigurable system based on the new commercial Software Designed Radios (SDR), and by establishing an internet based access system. We propose to develop a prototype core of the SDR ground station with open source hardware and software and test the prototype for reliability and performance in realistic space-to-ground link simulations, with real time switch between set of communication parameters. We'll conduct a feasibility/performance trade-off analysis, to assess the possibility of, and plan, the establishment of an experimental/operational Open System of Agile Stations using the HETE-2/TESS system to be completed within the SBIR Phase II program. The expected RF flexibility and internet-based operations of the time-shared stations will enable and facilitate the development and operations of microsat missions.

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.