Multi-Purpose Radio Signal Generation System

The MRSiG will be able to replace many of the expensive, highly specialized RF signal generators with cheaper generic boxes that can be customized as the technologies are updated. MRSiG boxes can be utilized throughout the entire RF hardware development cycle, from the breadboard to the flight stages. Their relatively low cost point will allow more simulators in the labs, and less resource contention for developing projects. The portability of the MRSiG lends itself readily to testing outside the lab, including environmental test chambers and during spacecraft integration. In particular, MRSiG could be utilized as a GPS simulator, replacing the Spirent GPS signal generators currently in use. These boxes could be utilized to simulate anything from lunar ground communication, ground-lunar relay communication, and even lunar to Earth communications. MRSiG could potentially be instrumental in performing formation flying or rendezvous and docking simulations if RF data is exchanged.

The potential applications outside of NASA mirror those inside, but on a much larger scale. Laboratories and universities would have ready access to a low-cost simulation capability that can be customized for their needs. For example, GPS simulation equipment currently tagged at $250,000 could be replaced with MRSiG and a SDR receiver for less than 1/10 the price, opening the door to smaller institutions while encouraging development and innovation. Similar arguments can be made for the modeling of spacecraft communications systems, TDRSS modeling, or most wireless communication systems.

The potential applications outside of NASA mirror those inside, but on a much larger scale. Laboratories and universities would have ready access to a low-cost simulation capability that can be customized for their needs. For example, GPS simulation equipment currently tagged at $250,000 could be replaced with MRSiG and a SDR receiver for less than 1/10 the price, opening the door to smaller institutions while encouraging development and innovation. Similar arguments can be made for the modeling of spacecraft communications systems, TDRSS modeling, or most wireless communication systems. The potential market includes commercial and DOD entities that utilize communications and GPS navigation gear in space.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

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.