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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Photon Counting Ground Receiver for Free-Space Optical Communications

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is developing a photon counting ground receiver for free-space optical communications. The receiver consists of a fiber interconnect, superconducting nanowire single photon counting detectors (SNSPDs), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) based receive modem. This receiver is compliant with the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) Optical Communications High Photon Efficiency standard, which is used in the low photon flux communications regime, including on the upcoming Optical Artemis-2 Orion communications demonstration. The receiver architecture is modular, can be scaled for data rate, and is designed with primarily commercial-off-the-shelf technology. Two fiber interconnect and detector architectures are being prototyped. The first uses a few-mode-fiber coupled to a 16-channel SNSPD array and the second architecture uses a photonic lantern coupled to 7 single-pixel SNSPDs. Photon counting, symbol timing recovery, demodulation and decoding is done using several FPGA cards. This presentation describes the unique features of the ground receiver, performance test results, and challenges with using commercial SNSPDs in free-space optical communications.

Jennifer N Downey↗

DOE OSTI2025

Systems, devices, and methods for millimeter wave communication for unmanned aerial vehicles

Systems, devices, and methods are described for controlling, and communicating with, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over a millimeter wave (mmWave) communication network established between a base station and the UAVs. A communication system may include one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The communication system may further include one or more base stations including millimeter wave (mmWave) antennas configured to generate control signals to the one or more UAVs over an mmWave communication network.

Bhuyan, Arupjyoti↗

NASA NTRS1993

(abstract) Galileo Optical Link Takes a Step Towards Deep-Space Optical Communications

The Galileo Optical Experiment (GOPEX) is the first in a series of JPL optical communications experiments that are planned to 1) demonstrate the application of critical concepts, subsystems, and components to optical communications technology, 2) validate optical communications performance models, and 3) improve the conceptual design of a deep-space and near-Earth optical communications network. Such a network is envisioned to be global in extent, and will require construction of optical stations on several continents. Industry can play a role in the development of this new breaking technology by assisting in addressing some of the current technology challenges.

optical communications experiment space communicat↗

NASA NTRS2003

Optical ground station site diversity for Deep Space Optical Communications the Mars Telecom Orbiter optical link

Future NASA deep space missions will fly advanced high resolution imaging instruments that will require high bandwidth links to return the huge data volumes generated by these instruments. Optical communications is a key technology for returning these large data volumes from deep space probes. Yet to cost effectively realize the high bandwidth potential of the optical link will require deployment of ground receivers in diverse locations to provide high link availability. A recent analysis of GOES weather satellite data showed that a network of ground stations located in Hawaii and the Southwest continental US can provide an average of 90% availability for the deep space optical link. JPL and AFRL are exploring the use of large telescopes in Hawaii, California, and Albuquerque to support the Mars Telesat laser communications demonstration. Designed to demonstrate multi-Mbps communications from Mars, the mission will investigate key operational strategies of future deep space optical communications network.

laser communications↗

NASA NTRS2012

Overview and Status of the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration

The Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD), a project being undertaken by MIT Lincoln Laboratory, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will be NASA's first attempt to demonstrate optical communications between a lunar orbiting spacecraft and Earth-based ground receivers. The LLCD space terminal will be flown on the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft, presently scheduled to launch in 2013. LLCD will demonstrate downlink optical communications at rates up to 620 Mbps, uplink optical communications at rates up to 20 Mbps, and two-way time-of-flight measurements with the potential to perform ranging with sub-centimeter accuracy. We describe the objectives of the LLCD program, key technologies employed in the space and ground terminals, and show the status of development of the several systems.

deep space communications↗

NASA NTRS2016

Overview of Optical Ground Station 1 of the NASA Space Communications and Navigation Program

Optical Ground Station 1 (OGS1) is the first of a new breed of dedicated ground terminals to support NASA’s developing space-based optical communications infrastructure. It is based at NASA’s Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) at the Table Mountain Observatory near Wrightwood, CA. The system will serve as the primary ground station for NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) experiment. This paper presents an overview of the OCTL telescope facility, the OGS1 ground-based optical communications systems, and the networking and control infrastructure currently under development. The OGS1 laser safety systems and atmospheric monitoring systems are also briefly described.

Optical Channel↗

NASA NTRS2022

Characterization of Response Times based on Voice Communication and Traffic Surveillance Data

A barrier to the integration of remotely piloted aircraft operations in the U.S. National Airspace System is the latency of voice communications between the air traffic controller and the remote pilot, and the latency of communication between the aircraft and the remote pilot. The latency can be substantial especially when satellite-based beyond-radio-line-of-sight communication and relay through the aircraft are employed. This study uses voice recordings of controller-pilot communications and aircraft track data to establish a baseline of pilot readback latencies and maneuver detection delays in the current piloted operations. A machine learning pipeline was developed to parse the contents of the air traffic control clearances including the callsigns using natural language processing. After manually validating the results obtained using the pipeline, the average pilot readback latency was found to be about 0.6 seconds. The average latency between the end of maneuver (inferred from track data), initiated by the pilot in response to the clearance, and the end of clearance was found to be about 176 seconds for altitude change commands, 69 seconds for heading change commands, and 182 seconds for speed change commands. The average latency between the beginning of maneuver and the end of clearance was found to be about 17 seconds for altitude change commands, 17seconds for heading change commands, and 25 seconds for speed change commands.

controller-pilot communication, communication late↗

NASA NTRS2022

Characterization of Response Times Based on Voice Communication and Traffic Surveillance Data

controller-pilot communication↗

DOE OSTI2025

5G Communications in Nuclear: Potential Use Cases and Security Considerations

As fifth-generation (5G) communications continues to revolutionize the future of wireless technology, there is growing demand to utilize its benefits for critical infrastructures such as nuclear power plants (NPPs). In regard to achieving full automation and control in the operation of existing and future nuclear reactors, the unique capabilities of 5G can bring several potential advantages over other wireless technologies. However, a deep investigation is needed for the availability and security of 5G communications under various NPP operational scenarios. This article examines how 5G security capabilities can be architecturally deployed in nuclear applications so as to replace existing communication infrastructures. We discuss the current use of all wireless technologies in NPPs with their key features. Consequently, we investigated several NPP use cases in which 5G offers potential advantages but entails specific security considerations. The present article covers the characteristics of 5G communications, general challenges to its application in nuclear, and the security gaps that need to be addressed. We also highlight certain 5G security-by-design features that can help addressing current stringent NPP requirements. In addition, we discuss some future research direction that can facilitate the implementation of 5G in a nuclear facility. The findings presented herein can help foster 5G deployment in NPPs, thus enabling secured data transmission, cost savings, and increased operational efficiency with enhanced reliability.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Synchrophasor Data Anomaly Detection on Grid Edge by 5G Communication and Adjacent Compute

The fifth-generation mobile communication (5G) technology offers the opportunities to enhance the grid real-time monitoring. The 5G-enabled phasor measurement units (PMUs) features flexible positioning and cost-effective long-term maintenance, without constraints of fixing wire. This paper is the first to demonstrate the applicability of 5G in PMU communication, and the experiment was carried out at Verizon non-standalone testbed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Advanced Wireless Communication lab. The performance of 5G-enabled PMU communication setup is reviewed and discussed in this paper, and the paper presents a real-time dynamic linear model (DML) based synchrophasor data anomaly detection application. Last but not least, the practicability of implementing 5G for wide-area protection strategies is explored and discussed by analyzing the experimental results.

5G, Synchrophasor data, machine learning, anomaly ↗

NASA NTRS1995

Technology, Data Bases and System Analysis for Space-to-Ground Optical Communications

Optical communications is becoming an ever-increasingly important option for designers of space-to- ground communications links, whether it be for government or commercial applications. In this paper the technology being developed by NASA for use in space-to-ground optical communications is presented. Next, a program which is collecting a long term data base of atmospheric visibility statistics for optical propagation through the atmosphere will be described. Finally, a methodology for utilizing the statistics of the atmospheric data base in the analysis of space-to-ground links will be presented. This methodology takes into account the effects of station availability, is useful when comparing optical communications with microwave systems, and provides a rationale establishing the recommended link margin.

Space-to-Ground Optical Communications↗

NASA NTRS2005

Science Communication versus Science Education: The Graduate Student Scientist as a K-12 Classroom Resource

Science literacy is a major goal of science educational reform (NRC, 1996; AAAS, 1998; NCLB Act, 2001). Some believe that teaching science only requires pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). Others believe doing science requires knowledge of the methodologies of scientific inquiry (NRC, 1996). With these two mindsets, the challenge for science educators is to create models that bring the two together. The common ground between those who teach science and those who do science is science communication, an interactive process that galvanizes dialogue among scientists, teachers, and learners in a rich ambience of mutual respect and a common, inclusive language of discourse . The dialogue between science and non-science is reflected in the polarization that separates those who do science and those who teach science, especially as it plays out everyday in the science classroom. You may be thinking, why is this important? It is vital because, although not all science learners become scientists, all K-12 students are expected to acquire science literacy, especially with the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). Students are expected to acquire the ability to follow the discourse of science as well as connect the world of science to the context of their everyday life if they plan on moving to the next grade level, and in some states, to graduate from high school. This paper posits that science communication is highly effective in providing the missing link for K-12 students cognition in science and their attainment of science literacy. This paper will focus on the "Science For Our Schools" (SFOS) model implemented at California State Univetsity, Los Angeles (CSULA) as a project of the National Science Foundation s GK-12 program, (NSF 2001) which has been a huge success in bridging the gap between those who "know" science and those who "teach" science. The SFOS model makes clear the distinctions that identify science, science communication, science education, and science literacy in the midst of science learning by bringing together graduate student scientists and science teachers to engage students in the two world s dialogue in the midst of the school science classroom. The graduate student scientists and the science teachers worked as a team throughout the school year and became effective science Communicators as they narrowed the gulf between the two worlds. 1

communications↗

NASA NTRS2014

Passive Thermal Design Approach for the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Testbed Experiment on the International Space Station (ISS)

The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program Office at NASA Headquarters oversees all of NASAs space communications activities. SCaN manages and directs the ground-based facilities and services provided by the Deep Space Network (DSN), Near Earth Network (NEN), and the Space Network (SN). Through the SCaN Program Office, NASA GRC developed a Software Defined Radio (SDR) testbed experiment (SCaN testbed experiment) for use on the International Space Station (ISS). It is comprised of three different SDR radios, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) radio, Harris Corporation radio, and the General Dynamics Corporation radio. The SCaN testbed experiment provides an on-orbit, adaptable, SDR Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) - based facility to conduct a suite of experiments to advance the Software Defined Radio, Space Telecommunications Radio Systems (STRS) standards, reduce risk (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement) for candidate Constellation future space flight hardware software, and demonstrate space communication links critical to future NASA exploration missions. The SCaN testbed project provides NASA, industry, other Government agencies, and academic partners the opportunity to develop and field communications, navigation, and networking technologies in the laboratory and space environment based on reconfigurable, software defined radio platforms and the STRS Architecture.The SCaN testbed is resident on the P3 Express Logistics Carrier (ELC) on the exterior truss of the International Space Station (ISS). The SCaN testbed payload launched on the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) and was installed on the ISS P3 ELC located on the inboard RAM P3 site. The daily operations and testing are managed out of NASA GRC in the Telescience Support Center (TSC).

Passive Thermal Design↗

NASA NTRS2014

Networked Operations of Hybrid Radio Optical Communications Satellites

In order to address the increasing communications needs of modern equipment in space, and to address the increasing number of objects in space, NASA is demonstrating the potential capability of optical communications for both deep space and near-Earth applications. The Integrated Radio Optical Communications (iROC) is a hybrid communications system that capitalizes on the best of both the optical and RF domains while using each technology to compensate for the other's shortcomings. Specifically, the data rates of the optical links can be higher than their RF counterparts, whereas the RF links have greater link availability. The focus of this paper is twofold: to consider the operations of one or more iROC nodes from a networking point of view, and to suggest specific areas of research to further the field. We consider the utility of Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) and the Virtual Mission Operation Center (VMOC) model.

Delay Tolerant Networking↗

NASA NTRS2015

Operational Concepts for a Generic Space Exploration Communication Network Architecture

This document is one of three. It describes the Operational Concept (OpsCon) for a generic space exploration communication architecture. The purpose of this particular document is to identify communication flows and data types. Two other documents accompany this document, a security policy profile and a communication architecture document. The operational concepts should be read first followed by the security policy profile and then the architecture document. The overall goal is to design a generic space exploration communication network architecture that is affordable, deployable, maintainable, securable, evolvable, reliable, and adaptable. The architecture should also require limited reconfiguration throughout system development and deployment. System deployment includes: subsystem development in a factory setting, system integration in a laboratory setting, launch preparation, launch, and deployment and operation in space.

networking↗

NASA NTRS2016

High Precision Ranging and Range-Rate Measurements over Free-Space-Laser Communication Link

We present a high-precision ranging and range-rate measurement system via an optical-ranging or combined ranging-communication link. A complete bench-top optical communication system was built. It included a ground terminal and a space terminal. Ranging and range rate tests were conducted in two configurations. In the communication configuration with 622 data rate, we achieved a two-way range-rate error of 2 microns/s, or a modified Allan deviation of 9 x 10 (exp -15) with 10 second averaging time. Ranging and range-rate as a function of Bit Error Rate of the communication link is reported. They are not sensitive to the link error rate. In the single-frequency amplitude modulation mode, we report a two-way range rate error of 0.8 microns/s, or a modified Allan deviation of 2.6 x 10 (exp -15) with 10 second averaging time. We identified the major noise sources in the current system as the transmitter modulation injected noise and receiver electronics generated noise. A new improved system will be constructed to further improve the system performance for both operating modes.

optical navigation↗

NASA NTRS2014

Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) Support of Space to Ground Link Demonstrations

The NASA/JPL Optical Communication Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) was built for dedicated research and development toward supporting free-space laser communications from space. Recently, the OCTL telescope was used to support the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD) from the Lunar Atmospheric Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft and is planned for use with the upcoming Optical Payload for Lasercomm Science (OPALS) demonstration from the International Space Station (ISS). The use of OCTL to support these demonstrations is discussed in this report. The discussion will feed forward to ongoing and future space-to-ground laser communications as it advances toward becoming an operational capability.

ground operations↗

NASA NTRS2016

Bandwidth-Efficient Communication through 225 MHz Ka-band Relay Satellite Channel

The communications and navigation space infrastructure of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) consists of a constellation of relay satellites (called Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS)) and a global set of ground stations to receive and deliver data to researchers around the world from mission spacecraft throughout the solar system. Planning is underway to enhance and transform the infrastructure over the coming decade. Key to the upgrade will be the simultaneous and efficient use of relay transponders to minimize cost and operations while supporting science and exploration spacecraft. Efficient use of transponders necessitates bandwidth efficient communications to best use and maximize data throughput within the allocated spectrum. Experiments conducted with NASA's Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) Testbed on the International Space Station provides a unique opportunity to evaluate advanced communication techniques, such as bandwidth-efficient modulations, in an operational flight system. Demonstrations of these new techniques in realistic flight conditions provides critical experience and reduces the risk of using these techniques in future missions. Efficient use of spectrum is enabled by using high-order modulations coupled with efficient forward error correction codes. This paper presents a high-rate, bandwidth-efficient waveform operating over the 225 MHz Ka-band service of the TDRS System (TDRSS). The testing explores the application of Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK), 2/4/8-phase shift keying (PSK) and 16/32- amplitude PSK (APSK) providing over three bits-per-second-per-Hertz (3 b/s/Hz) modulation combined with various LDPC encoding rates to maximize through- put. With a symbol rate of 200 M-band, coded data rates of 1000 Mbps were tested in the laboratory and up to 800 Mbps over the TDRS 225 MHz channel. This paper will present on the high-rate waveform design, channel characteristics, performance results, compensation techniques for filtering and equalization, and architecture considerations going forward for efficient use of NASA's infrastructure.

transmitters receivers↗