Reusable Communication Infrastructure for Small Satellites

The research goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive communications reference architecture that is applicable to a wide variety of small satellite missions. The motivation for creating this reference architecture is to aid small satellite development teams who don't have the resources to develop a communication system from the scratch. The product of this research will primarily take the form of an online living document that will serve as a design reference and collaboration tool for small satellite developers. To develop the reference architecture, existing communication solutions will be surveyed including spacecraft hardware (i.e. radio modems and antennas), ground stations, and protocols. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the interoperability and compatibilities between these solutions. Once existing solutions are well understood, recommended configurations covering the end-to-end communication system will be specified. These solutions will be evaluated against a set of mission profiles that represent the diverse cross section of mission demands found in the small satellite field. In cases where existing solutions are deficient, the applicant will apply his industry experience with SATCOM systems to address these needs. Later work will consider how advanced technologies, such as optical communications and SDR, can be used to augment the capabilities of the reference architecture. The proposed work directly addresses the Integrated Radio Systems need (TABS Element 5.5.1) that is listed as a high-priority item on the NASA Technology Roadmap.

The research goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive communications reference architecture that is applicable to a wide variety of small satellite missions. The motivation for creating this reference architecture is to aid small satellite development teams who don't have the resources to develop a communication system from the scratch.

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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