RFID-Enabled Navigation and Communication Networks for Long-Duration Space Missions

Virtual EM Inc. proposes a system that employs semi-passive RFID sensors with carbon nanotube inkjet-printed antenna and solar powered mesh-networked beacons. The tags will be powered by printed thin film batteries and/or via energy harvesting. Beacons will communicate among themselves and read the semi-active RFID tags worn by the astronauts. The location will be fixed via triangulation and this information will be beamed back to the astronauts.

On the defense side, wearable RFID tags have enormous potential for tracking, locating and monitoring vital signs of soldiers. What is described for NASA's lunar missions applies directly to DoD's operation theaters when astronauts are replaced by soldiers. On the commercial side, the applications carry much higher volumes and are more diverse from asset tracking to instrumentation and control. Both the beacon and tag technologies are applicable.

On the NASA side, primary application will be geo-positioning during lunar missions, parts tracking, and sensing. NASA places high premium on reliability and requires that systems carry built-in redundancy. The proposed RFID technology is ultra-low-cost, wearable, highly transportable and provides redundancy in case of hardware or software failure.

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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