SpaceOps 2010 Conference<br> <b><i>Delivering on the Dream</b></i><br> <i>Hosted by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Organized by AIAA</i>, 2010
Selecting a communications and network architecture for future manned space flight requires an ev... more Selecting a communications and network architecture for future manned space flight requires an evaluation of the varying goals and objectives of the program, development of communications and network architecture evaluation criteria, and assessment of critical architecture trades. This paper uses Cx Program proposed exploration activities as a guideline; lunar sortie, outpost, Mars, and flexible path options are described. A set of proposed communications network architecture criteria are proposed and described. They include: interoperability, security, reliability, and ease of automating topology changes. Finally a key set of architecture options are traded including (1) multiplexing data at a common network layer vs. at the data link layer, (2) implementing multiple network layers vs. a single network layer, and (3) the use of a particular network layer protocol, primarily IPv6 vs. Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN). In summary, the protocol options are evaluated against the proposed exploration activities and their relative performance with respect to the criteria are assessed. An architectural approach which includes (a) the capability of multiplexing at both the network layer and the data link layer and (b) a single network layer for operations at each program phase, as these solutions are best suited to respond to the widest array of program needs and meet each of the evaluation criteria.
NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-3... more NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-31 GHz (Kaband) using three 12m diameter COTS antennas separated by 60m at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, we have used up to three 34m antennas separated by ~250m at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California at X-band 7.1 GHz incorporating real-time correction for tropospheric phase fluctuations. Such a demonstration can enable NASA to design and establish a high power, high resolution, 24/7 availability radar system for (a) tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects (NEOs), (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) incorporating the capability into its space communication and navigation tracking stations for emergency spacecraft commanding in the Ka band era which NASA is entering, and (d) fielding capabilities of interest to other US government agencies. We present here...
NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-3... more NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-31 GHz (Kaband) using three 12m diameter COTS antennas separated by 60m at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, we have used up to three 34m antennas separated by ~250m at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California and at X-band 7.1 GHz incorporating real-time correction for tropospheric phase fluctuations. Such a demonstration would then enable NASA to design and establish a high power, high resolution, 24/7 availability radar system for (a) tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects (NEOs), (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) incorporating the capability into its space communication and navigation tracking stations for emergency spacecraft commanding in the Ka band era which NASA is entering, and (d) fielding capabilities of interest to other US government agencies. We p...
NASA has successfully demonstrated coherent uplink arraying with real time compensation for atmos... more NASA has successfully demonstrated coherent uplink arraying with real time compensation for atmospheric phase fluctuations at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and is pursuing a similar demonstration 30-31 GHz (Ka-band) using three 12m diameter COTS antennas separated by 60m at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, we have done the same demonstration with up to three 34m antennas separated by ~250m at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California at X-band 7.1 GHz. We have begun to infuse the capability at Goldstone into the Deep Space Network to provide a quasi-operational system. Such a demonstration can enable NASA to design and establish a high power (10 PW) high resolution (<10 cm), 24/7 availability radar system for (a) tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects (NEOs), (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) incorporating the capability into its space communication and navi...
With the successful field demonstration of uplink arraying at 8 GHz (X-band) at NASA's Goldst... more With the successful field demonstration of uplink arraying at 8 GHz (X-band) at NASA's Goldstone tracking station in California and at 14 GHz (Ku-band) near the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, NASA is pursuing a similar demonstration of the capability at 7.1 GHz (X-band) and 30-31 GHz (Ka band) and incorporating real-time correction for atmospheric phase fluctuations. Such a demonstration would then enable NASA to establish a high power, high resolution, 24/7 availability radar system (a) for tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects, (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) to incorporate the capability into its space communication and navigation tracking stations for emergency spacecraft commanding in the Ka band era which NASA is entering, and (d) to field capabilities of interest to other US government agencies. We are beginning the demonstration in a communications mode to more easil...
Brian cookt, David ~orabito?, Hamid emm ma ti?, Sabino ~iazzolla~, ~o l f ~a s t r u~? , Douglas ... more Brian cookt, David ~orabito?, Hamid emm ma ti?, Sabino ~iazzolla~, ~o l f ~a s t r u~? , Douglas ~braharn?, Miles suet and Farzin ~a n s h a d i ?
The promise of array technology in support of space operations has long been appreciated, and rec... more The promise of array technology in support of space operations has long been appreciated, and receiving array technology is now an important operational asset. Notable examples include the NRAO (National Radio Astronomy Observatory) array of twenty seven 25m reflectors and the DSN (Deep Space Network) ad hoc arraying of various assets, particularly 34m antennas , to realize significant G/T increases providing needed bandwidth and range extensions. However, uplink (transmit) arraying has not kept pace due to the difficulty of ensuring "open loop" beam formation under the conditions of wide spacing, due to 1) transmission line and circuit variability, 2) precise antenna reference point determination, and 3) tropospheric effects especially at higher frequencies. Notable success in solving uplink array calibration issues has been achieved by two different groups at JPL, one arraying five 1.2m reflectors and the other three-34m reflectors. However, there are operational issues with each of these approaches. We present an approach for mitigating these difficulties, offering the potential for continual readiness operationally and extensibility to Ka band. Additionally the approach is suitable for use on a wide range of antenna sizes, including both 34m and 12m reflectors. Currently a transmit uplink experiment is underway at Harris Corporation using three-12m reflectors operating at DSCS X band. This array architecture provides continuous internal self-calibration using the transmit signal itself, a method to dynamically solve for the antenna reference points, and mitigation of propagation effects by using received signals from known sources.
1st Space Exploration Conference: Continuing the Voyage of Discovery, 2005
Tbe Vision for Space Exploration calls for an aggressive sequence of robotic missions beginning i... more Tbe Vision for Space Exploration calls for an aggressive sequence of robotic missions beginning in 2008 to prepare for a human return to the Moon by 2020, with the goal of establishing a sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit A key enabler of exploration is reliable, available communication and navigation capabilities to snpport both human and robotic missions. An adaptable, sustainable communication and navigation architecture has been developed by Goddard Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to support human and robotic lonar exploration through the next two decades A key component of the architecture is scalable deployment, with the infrastrurture evolving as needs emerge, allowing NASA and its partner agencies to deploy an interoperable communication and navigation system in an evolutionary way, enabling cost effective, highly adaptable systems throughout the lunar exploration program. This paper reviews lunar exploration requirements (both known and assumed) and the potential mission set that has been proposed to meet them. It then considers tbe communication and navigation requirements necessary to Communication Systems Engineer, Microwave and Communication Systems Branch, Code 567, Member.
A top-level architectural approach facilitates the provision of communications and navigation sup... more A top-level architectural approach facilitates the provision of communications and navigation support services to the anticipated lunar mission set. Following the principles of systems architecting (i.e., form follows function) the first step is to define the functions or services to be provided, both in terms of character and degree. These will include communication (telemetry and command) as well as tracking and navigation services. Required performance levels are derived from analysis of the lunar mission model. Consideration of the special needs of robotic and human mission support is appropriate, as is the evolution of the service provision system to the eventual human exploration of Mars. Architectural forms are those physical assets, both hardware and software, that are used to enable the functions to be performed and the services to be delivered. These may include ground stations, lunar relay satellites, Earth-orbiting satellites, optical communications assets, and allocated...
SpaceOps 2010 Conference<br> <b><i>Delivering on the Dream</b></i><br> <i>Hosted by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Organized by AIAA</i>, 2010
Selecting a communications and network architecture for future manned space flight requires an ev... more Selecting a communications and network architecture for future manned space flight requires an evaluation of the varying goals and objectives of the program, development of communications and network architecture evaluation criteria, and assessment of critical architecture trades. This paper uses Cx Program proposed exploration activities as a guideline; lunar sortie, outpost, Mars, and flexible path options are described. A set of proposed communications network architecture criteria are proposed and described. They include: interoperability, security, reliability, and ease of automating topology changes. Finally a key set of architecture options are traded including (1) multiplexing data at a common network layer vs. at the data link layer, (2) implementing multiple network layers vs. a single network layer, and (3) the use of a particular network layer protocol, primarily IPv6 vs. Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN). In summary, the protocol options are evaluated against the proposed exploration activities and their relative performance with respect to the criteria are assessed. An architectural approach which includes (a) the capability of multiplexing at both the network layer and the data link layer and (b) a single network layer for operations at each program phase, as these solutions are best suited to respond to the widest array of program needs and meet each of the evaluation criteria.
NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-3... more NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-31 GHz (Kaband) using three 12m diameter COTS antennas separated by 60m at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, we have used up to three 34m antennas separated by ~250m at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California at X-band 7.1 GHz incorporating real-time correction for tropospheric phase fluctuations. Such a demonstration can enable NASA to design and establish a high power, high resolution, 24/7 availability radar system for (a) tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects (NEOs), (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) incorporating the capability into its space communication and navigation tracking stations for emergency spacecraft commanding in the Ka band era which NASA is entering, and (d) fielding capabilities of interest to other US government agencies. We present here...
NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-3... more NASA is pursuing a demonstration of coherent uplink arraying at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and 30-31 GHz (Kaband) using three 12m diameter COTS antennas separated by 60m at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, we have used up to three 34m antennas separated by ~250m at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California and at X-band 7.1 GHz incorporating real-time correction for tropospheric phase fluctuations. Such a demonstration would then enable NASA to design and establish a high power, high resolution, 24/7 availability radar system for (a) tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects (NEOs), (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) incorporating the capability into its space communication and navigation tracking stations for emergency spacecraft commanding in the Ka band era which NASA is entering, and (d) fielding capabilities of interest to other US government agencies. We p...
NASA has successfully demonstrated coherent uplink arraying with real time compensation for atmos... more NASA has successfully demonstrated coherent uplink arraying with real time compensation for atmospheric phase fluctuations at 7.145-7.190 GHz (X-band) and is pursuing a similar demonstration 30-31 GHz (Ka-band) using three 12m diameter COTS antennas separated by 60m at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In addition, we have done the same demonstration with up to three 34m antennas separated by ~250m at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex in California at X-band 7.1 GHz. We have begun to infuse the capability at Goldstone into the Deep Space Network to provide a quasi-operational system. Such a demonstration can enable NASA to design and establish a high power (10 PW) high resolution (<10 cm), 24/7 availability radar system for (a) tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects (NEOs), (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) incorporating the capability into its space communication and navi...
With the successful field demonstration of uplink arraying at 8 GHz (X-band) at NASA's Goldst... more With the successful field demonstration of uplink arraying at 8 GHz (X-band) at NASA's Goldstone tracking station in California and at 14 GHz (Ku-band) near the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, NASA is pursuing a similar demonstration of the capability at 7.1 GHz (X-band) and 30-31 GHz (Ka band) and incorporating real-time correction for atmospheric phase fluctuations. Such a demonstration would then enable NASA to establish a high power, high resolution, 24/7 availability radar system (a) for tracking and characterizing observations of Near Earth Objects, (b) tracking, characterizing and determining the statistics of small-scale (≤10cm) orbital debris, (c) to incorporate the capability into its space communication and navigation tracking stations for emergency spacecraft commanding in the Ka band era which NASA is entering, and (d) to field capabilities of interest to other US government agencies. We are beginning the demonstration in a communications mode to more easil...
Brian cookt, David ~orabito?, Hamid emm ma ti?, Sabino ~iazzolla~, ~o l f ~a s t r u~? , Douglas ... more Brian cookt, David ~orabito?, Hamid emm ma ti?, Sabino ~iazzolla~, ~o l f ~a s t r u~? , Douglas ~braharn?, Miles suet and Farzin ~a n s h a d i ?
The promise of array technology in support of space operations has long been appreciated, and rec... more The promise of array technology in support of space operations has long been appreciated, and receiving array technology is now an important operational asset. Notable examples include the NRAO (National Radio Astronomy Observatory) array of twenty seven 25m reflectors and the DSN (Deep Space Network) ad hoc arraying of various assets, particularly 34m antennas , to realize significant G/T increases providing needed bandwidth and range extensions. However, uplink (transmit) arraying has not kept pace due to the difficulty of ensuring "open loop" beam formation under the conditions of wide spacing, due to 1) transmission line and circuit variability, 2) precise antenna reference point determination, and 3) tropospheric effects especially at higher frequencies. Notable success in solving uplink array calibration issues has been achieved by two different groups at JPL, one arraying five 1.2m reflectors and the other three-34m reflectors. However, there are operational issues with each of these approaches. We present an approach for mitigating these difficulties, offering the potential for continual readiness operationally and extensibility to Ka band. Additionally the approach is suitable for use on a wide range of antenna sizes, including both 34m and 12m reflectors. Currently a transmit uplink experiment is underway at Harris Corporation using three-12m reflectors operating at DSCS X band. This array architecture provides continuous internal self-calibration using the transmit signal itself, a method to dynamically solve for the antenna reference points, and mitigation of propagation effects by using received signals from known sources.
1st Space Exploration Conference: Continuing the Voyage of Discovery, 2005
Tbe Vision for Space Exploration calls for an aggressive sequence of robotic missions beginning i... more Tbe Vision for Space Exploration calls for an aggressive sequence of robotic missions beginning in 2008 to prepare for a human return to the Moon by 2020, with the goal of establishing a sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit A key enabler of exploration is reliable, available communication and navigation capabilities to snpport both human and robotic missions. An adaptable, sustainable communication and navigation architecture has been developed by Goddard Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to support human and robotic lonar exploration through the next two decades A key component of the architecture is scalable deployment, with the infrastrurture evolving as needs emerge, allowing NASA and its partner agencies to deploy an interoperable communication and navigation system in an evolutionary way, enabling cost effective, highly adaptable systems throughout the lunar exploration program. This paper reviews lunar exploration requirements (both known and assumed) and the potential mission set that has been proposed to meet them. It then considers tbe communication and navigation requirements necessary to Communication Systems Engineer, Microwave and Communication Systems Branch, Code 567, Member.
A top-level architectural approach facilitates the provision of communications and navigation sup... more A top-level architectural approach facilitates the provision of communications and navigation support services to the anticipated lunar mission set. Following the principles of systems architecting (i.e., form follows function) the first step is to define the functions or services to be provided, both in terms of character and degree. These will include communication (telemetry and command) as well as tracking and navigation services. Required performance levels are derived from analysis of the lunar mission model. Consideration of the special needs of robotic and human mission support is appropriate, as is the evolution of the service provision system to the eventual human exploration of Mars. Architectural forms are those physical assets, both hardware and software, that are used to enable the functions to be performed and the services to be delivered. These may include ground stations, lunar relay satellites, Earth-orbiting satellites, optical communications assets, and allocated...
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