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Completed TRL 7 (started at 2, targeting 7)
Traditional mission operations and space communications services rely on highly scripted activities, often planned weeks in advance, which limits responsiveness to changing scientific events or conditions of interest. UIS will enable more dynamic and collaborative mission operations concepts as well as reduced user mission planning burden through infusion of software automated, event-triggered communications services. In order to fully realize User Initiated Services (UIS), a protocol being developed to allow event triggered, autonomous scheduling and responsive service allocation for modern space mission communications, there must be highly available, on-demand communications links between missions and the communications service provider networks. the Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) provides an “on-demand” type of service for return links from LEO missions through the Demand Access System (DAS), but there is currently no equivalent service for “on-demand” forward links. This effort will investigate the options for creating a SN Fast Forward (SNFF) service, and if feasible, will plan, develop and demonstrate an autonomous means of rapidly scheduling TDRS Forward links for the Swift mission's operational use.
A fully automated "on demand" SN forward service would enable more responsive network services to time-sensitive science opportunities and mission critical events for low earth orbit and ground based missions. UIS protocols will eventually be extended to the Moon as part of NASA's LunaNet architecture.
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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.
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