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Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
Development of the core logic for the signal processing in a GPS receiver to ultimately be implemented as a System on a Chip (SoC) and integrated in Autonomous Flight Termination System(s) (AFTS).
This project will incorporate mature technologies associated with GPS and programmable logic to miniaturize and optimize a receiver for range applications, particularly AFTS. There is a need at the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) for a miniature AFTS with an internal GPS receiver that is available for range customers. Part of the miniaturization is incorporating the digital GPS receiver design into existing SoC resources. This would eliminate the space required for a separate commercial GPS module that has been prototyped to date. Qualification testing for new hardware associated with a flight termination system requires a significant amount of qualification testing as well. A range controlled GPS receiver design will minimize the risk associated with the need to requalify new commercial units when qualified units are no longer available.
The return on investment for US launch ranges that can support AFTS, including the Wallops range, is the elimination of ground command system maintenance and operations. It also reduces the human reaction time for termination decisions, a necessary component to launching hypersonic vehicles from ranges relatively close to populated areas. The GPS receiver module is a key component of the flight system.
From a Wallops perspective, the ability to support flights with AFTS could increase the number of customers. This is particularly true for test vehicles that presently cannot be supported at Wallops due to unavailability of a downrange FTS command site, the proximity of the population, and the lack of time to make flight termination decisions with a human operator.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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