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NASA NTRS2014

IEEE 802.16J-Relay Fortified Aeromacs Networks; Benefits and Challenges

Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System (AeroMACS) is an IEEE 802.16 standard-based (WiMAX) broadband aviation transmission technology, developed to provide safety critical communications coverage for airport surface in support of fixed and mobile ground to ground applications and services. We have previously demonstrated that IEEE 802.16j-amendment-based WiMAX is most feasible for AeroMACS applications. The principal argument in favor of application of IEEE 802.16j technology is the flexible and cost effective extension of radio coverage that is afforded by relay fortified WiMAX networks, with virtually no increase in the power requirements. In this article, following introductory remarks on airport surface communications, WiMAX and AeroMACS; the IEEE 802.16j-based WiMAX technology and multihop relay systems are briefly described. The two modes of relay operation supported by IEEE 802.16j amendment; i.e., transparent (TRS) and non-transparent (NTRS) modes, are discussed in some detail. Advantages and disadvantages of using TRS and NTRS in AeroMACS networks are summarized in a table. Practical issues vis--vis the inclusion of relays in AeroMACS networks are addressed. It is argued that the selection of relay type may affect a number of network parameters. A discussion on specific benefits and challenges of inclusion of relays in AeroMACS networks is provided. The article concludes that in case it is desired or necessary to exclusively employ one type of relay mode for all applications throughout an AeroMACS network, the proper selection would be the non-transparent mode.

Networks↗

NASA NTRS2015

On Proper Selection of Multihop Relays for Future Enhancement of AeroMACS Networks

As the Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System (AeroMACS) has evolved from a technology concept to a deployed communications network over major US airports, it is now time to contemplate whether the existing capacity of AeroMACS is sufficient to meet the demands set forth by all fixed and mobile applications over the airport surface given the AeroMACS constraints regarding bandwidth and transmit power. The underlying idea in this article is to present IEEE 802.16j-based WiMAX as a technology that can address future capacity enhancements and therefore is most feasible for AeroMACS applications. The principal argument in favor IEEE 802.16j technology is the flexible and cost effective extension of radio coverage that is afforded by relay fortified networks, with virtually no increase in the power requirements and virtually no rise in interference levels to co-allocated applications. The IEEE 802.16j-based multihop relay systems are briefly described. The focus is on key features of this technology, frame structure, and its architecture. Next, AeroMACS is described as a WiMAX-based wireless network. The two major relay modes supported by IEEE 802.16j amendment, i.e., transparent and non-transparent are described. The benefits of employing multihop relays are listed. Some key challenges related to incorporating relays into AeroMACS networks are discussed. The selection of relay type in a broadband wireless network affects a number of network parameters such as latency, signal overhead, PHY (Scalable Physical Layer) and MAC (Media Access Layer) layer protocols, consequently it can alter key network quantities of throughput and QoS (Quality of Service).

aircraft communications↗

NASA NTRS1993

ACTS Broadband Aeronautical Experiment

This paper describes how K/Ka-band mobile satellite technology could be useful in meeting increased demands for aeronautical mobile satellite communication services.

Advanced↗

NASA NTRS1984

Aeronautics and space report of the President, 1983 activities

Achievements in communication; space science; space transportation; aeronautics; and Earth resources and environment are summarized. Activities of the various Federal agencies and cooperation with NASA in these areas are described. The Presidential policy announcement on the endorsement of commercial operation of expendable launch vehicles is included. Tables show, the space activities budget; a historical budget summary, U.S. space launch vehicles; U.S. and Soviet manned spaceflights, 1961 to 1983; U.S. launched space probes, 1975 to 1983; U.S. launched scientific and applications satellites, 1978 to 1983; the U.S. spacecraft record; the world record of space launches successful in attaining Earth orbit or beyond; and successful U.S. launchings for 1983.

Source record↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA's Efforts to Pursue Commercial Communications Services for Missions in Near Space

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program enables high speed, robust, secure and cost-effective space communications and navigation services to current and future science and exploration missions. Consistent with National Space Policy, NASA is seeking commercial services for all its future near Earth requirements by incorporating additional direct to Earth (DTE) providers and introducing commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) vendors as NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) begin to decline. Through the progression of these efforts, SCaN is also integrating commercial services in the cislunar domain. The overarching objective is to satisfy the demands from the mission community – both in terms of capacity and capability – in a robust and cost-effective way, leveraging the strong and growing commercial space sector. For near earth space relay, six SATCOM vendors were awarded Funded Space Act Agreements in June of 2022 to demonstrate the ability to serve near-Earth missions, and are working through their committed milestones. The failure of TDRS Flight-9 (F9) in late 2022 prompted an increased tempo of mission engagement to identify driving user needs that commercial SATCOM can meet in the near-term. NASA has set a course to accelerate a decision to terminate commitments for TDRS services to new missions and has developed a plan to execute validation and risk reduction efforts with early adopter “pathfinder” missions to pave the way to earlier operational services. As the Artemis Program matures and builds on the successful Artemis I flight in November/December of 2022, the definition of the supporting communications and navigation architecture has further been refined. Although NASA government assets will continue to play a key role in provision of services, such as through the Deep Space Network, SCaN is pursuing commercial services offerings to expand ground network capability and implement lunar relay services. In February of 2023, SCaN released solicitation for services that include DTE services to missions near-Earth and in cislunar space, as well as lunar relay services. Further, SCaN is seeking opportunities to integrate commercial capability into lunar surface communications infrastructure. NASA is also advocating for standards that promote interoperability and strategic technology investments in the commercial sector. This paper addresses the recent progress and future plans in the near-Earth space and lunar regimes, discusses the unified approach for industry engagement, and highlights both the common and unique challenges of commercialization efforts in the two regimes.

commercialization↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Efforts to Pursue Commercial Communications Services for Missions in Near Space

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program enables high speed, robust, secure, and cost-effective space communications and navigation services to current and future science and exploration missions. Consistent with National Space Policy, NASA is seeking commercial services for all its future near-Earth requirements by incorporating additional direct to Earth (DTE) providers and introducing commercial satellite relay communications (SATCOM) vendors as NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) begin to decline. Through the progression of these efforts, SCaN is also integrating commercial services in the cislunar domain. The overarching objective is to satisfy the demands from the mission community – both in terms of capacity and capability – in a robust, reliable, and cost-effective way, leveraging the strong and growing commercial space sector. For near earth space relay, six SATCOM vendors were awarded Funded Space Act Agreements in June of 2022 to demonstrate the ability to serve near-Earth missions with space-based communication relay services. All six vendors are working through their committed milestones with end-to-end service demonstrations tacking place throughout the mid-2020’s. The failure of TDRS Flight-9 (F9) in late 2022 prompted an increased tempo of mission engagement to identify driving user needs that commercial SATCOM can meet in the near-term. NASA has set a course to accelerate a decision to terminate offering TDRS services to new missions and is developing a plan to execute validation and risk reduction efforts with early adopter “pathfinder” missions, paving the way to operational services. As the Artemis Program matures and builds on the successful Artemis I flight in November-December of 2022, the definition of the supporting communications and navigation architecture has further been refined. Although NASA government assets will continue to play a key role in provision of services, such as through the Deep Space Network, SCaN is pursuing commercial services offerings to expand ground network capability and implement lunar relay services. In February of 2023, SCaN released solicitation for services that include DTE services to missions near-Earth and in cislunar space, as well as lunar relay services. Further, SCaN is seeking opportunities to integrate commercial capability into lunar surface communications infrastructure. NASA is also advocating for standards that promote interoperability and strategic technology investments in the commercial sector. This paper addresses the recent progress and future plans in the near-Earth space and lunar regimes, discusses the unified approach for industry engagement, and highlights both the common and unique challenges of commercialization efforts in the two regimes.

commercial services↗

NASA NTRS1997

Feasibility of NASA TT&C via Commercial Satellite Services

This report presents the results of a study to identify impact and driving requirements by implementing commercial satellite communications service into traditional National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space-ground communications. The NASA communication system is used to relay spacecraft and instrument commands, telemetry and science data. NASA's goal is to lower the cost of operation and increase the flexibility of spacecraft operations. Use of a commercial network offers the opportunity to contact a spacecraft on a nearly "on-demand" basis with ordinary phone calls to enable real time interaction with science events.

Mitchell, Carl W.↗

NASA NTRS2005

UWB EMI To Aircraft Radios: Field Evaluation on Operational Commercial Transport Airplanes

Ultrawideband (UWB) transmitters may soon be integrated into a wide variety of portable electronic devices (PEDs) that passengers routinely carry on board commercial airplanes. Airlines and the FAA will have difficulty controlling passenger use of UWB transmitters during flights with current airline policies and existing wireless product standards. The aeronautical community is concerned as to whether evolving FCC UWB rules are adequate to protect legacy and emerging aeronautical radio systems from electromagnetic interference (EMI) from emerging UWB products. To address these concerns, the NASA Office of Space Communications and Chief Spectrum Managers assembled a multidisciplinary team from NASA LaRC, NASA JPL, NASA ARC, FAA, United Airlines, Sky West Airlines, and Eagles Wings Inc. to carry out a comprehensive series of tests aimed at determining the nature and extent of any EMI to aeronautical communication and navigation systems from UWB devices meeting FCCapproved and proposed levels for unlicensed handheld transmitters.

Oria, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Modulation Classification of Satellite Communication Signals Using Cumulants and Neural Networks

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s future communication architecture is evaluating cognitive technologies and increased system intelligence. These technologies are expected to reduce the operational complexity of the network, increase science data return, and reduce interference to self and others. In order to increase situational awareness, signal classification algorithms could be applied to identify users and distinguish sources of interference. A significant amount of previous work has been done in the area of automatic signal classification for military and commercial applications. As a preliminary step, we seek to develop a system with the ability to discern signals typically encountered in satellite communication. Proposed is an automatic modulation classifier which utilizes higher order statistics (cumulants) and an estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio. These features are extracted from baseband symbols and then processed by a neural network for classification. The modulation types considered are phase-shift keying (PSK), amplitude and phase-shift keying (APSK),and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Physical layer properties specific to the Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite- Second Generation (DVB-S2) standard, such as pilots and variable ring ratios, are also considered. This paper will provide simulation results of a candidate modulation classifier, and performance will be evaluated over a range of signal-to-noise ratios, frequency offsets, and nonlinear amplifier distortions.

Signal Recognition↗

NASA NTRS2017

Modulation Classification of Satellite Communication Signals Using Cumulants and Neural Networks

Signal Classification↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Early Results from NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) Experiment Program

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) mission began its two-year Experiment Program in June 2022. This experimental phase includes long-term measurement of the effects of the atmosphere (turbulence, weather) on the performance and availability of lasercom. Furthermore, various future operational scenarios including robotic and exploration missions and various network service configurations are being emulated. In addition to experiments and demonstrations proposed by the LCRD Investigator Team, NASA enables individuals and groups from government agencies, academia, and industry to propose experiments under the LCRD Guest Experimenters Program. This conference paper provides highlights of the early LCRD experiments and a preview of the future experiments, including relaying data to and from the Integrated LCRD Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) on the International Space Station. The LCRD geosynchronous payload includes two laser communications terminals interconnected via an onboard electronic switch, and can relay information between two optical ground stations located in California and Hawaii. LCRD is a joint project involving NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL).

lasercom↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Early Results from NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) Experiment Program

lasercom↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Completion of NASA’s Two-Year Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) Experiment Program

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) completed its two-year experiment program in June 2024. The LCRD geosynchronous payload includes two laser communications terminals interconnected via an onboard electronic switch. The payload relays data between two optical ground stations located in California and Hawaii and can also exchange data with an RF ground station in New Mexico. The addition of the Integrated LCRD Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) on the International Space Station in 2023 enabled data relay demonstrations between a laser terminal in low Earth orbit and either one of the optical ground stations or the RF ground station. The experiment program has included a variety of experiments originating within the LCRD project, NASA, and industry. The experiments have included measurements of the effects of the atmospheric optical channel (turbulence, weather) on the performance and availability of laser communications, adaptive optics characterization, demonstration of optimetrics techniques, and demonstration of Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN). Furthermore, various future operational scenarios including robotic and exploration missions and various network service configurations have been emulated. This conference paper provides an overview and highlights of the LCRD experiment program with an emphasis on activities and results since the start of the ILLUMA-T testing in December 2023. A discussion of the expectations for the next phase of the LCRD mission, as well as how LCRD results may be applied to future applications is also included. LCRD is a joint project involving NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL).

Laser communications↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Completion of NASA’s Two-Year Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) Experiment Program

"The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) completed its two-year experiment program in June 2024. The LCRD geosynchronous payload includes two laser communications terminals interconnected via an onboard electronic switch. The payload relays data between two optical ground stations located in California and Hawaii and can also exchange data with an RF ground station in New Mexico. The addition of the Integrated LCRD Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) on the International Space Station in 2023 enabled data relay demonstrations between a laser terminal in low Earth orbit and either one of the optical ground stations or the RF ground station. The experiment program has included a variety of experiments originating within the LCRD project, NASA, and industry. The experiments have included measurements of the effects of the atmospheric optical channel (turbulence, weather) on the performance and availability of laser communications, adaptive optics characterization, demonstration of optimetrics techniques, and demonstration of Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN). Furthermore, various future operational scenarios including robotic and exploration missions and various network service configurations have been emulated. This conference paper provides an overview and highlights of the LCRD experiment program with an emphasis on activities and results since the start of the ILLUMA-T testing in December 2023. A discussion of the expectations for the next phase of the LCRD mission, as well as how LCRD results may be applied to future applications is also included. LCRD is a joint project involving NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL). "

Lasercom↗

NASA NTRS2017

Enabling Future Science and Human Exploration with NASA's Next Generation near Earth and Deep Space Communications and Navigation Architecture

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is studying alternatives for the United States space communications architecture through the 2040 timeframe. This architecture provides communication and navigation services to both human exploration and science missions throughout the solar system. Several of NASA's key space assets are approaching their end of design life and major systems are in need of replacement. The changes envisioned in the relay satellite architecture and capabilities around both Earth and Mars are significant undertakings and occur only once or twice each generation, and therefore is referred to as NASA's next generation space communications architecture. NASA's next generation architecture will benefit from technology and services developed over recent years. These innovations will provide missions with new operations concepts, increased performance, and new business and operating models. Advancements in optical communications will enable high-speed data channels and the use of new and more complex science instruments. Modern multiple beam/multiple access technologies such as those employed on commercial high throughput satellites will enable enhanced capabilities for on-demand service, and with new protocols will help provide Internet-like connectivity for cooperative spacecraft to improve data return and coordinate joint mission objectives. On-board processing with autonomous and cognitive networking will play larger roles to help manage system complexity. Spacecraft and ground systems will coordinate among themselves to establish communications, negotiate link connectivity, and learn to share spectrum to optimize resource allocation. Spacecraft will autonomously navigate, plan trajectories, and handle off-nominal events. NASA intends to leverage the ever-expanding capabilities of the satellite communications industry and foster its continued growth. NASA's technology development will complement and extend commercial capabilities to meet unique space environment requirements and to provide capabilities that are beyond the commercial marketplace. The progress of the communications industry, including the emerging global space internet segment and its planned constellations of 100's of satellites offer additional opportunities for new capability and mission concepts. The opportunities and challenges of a future space architecture require an optimal solution encompassing a global perspective. The concepts and technologies intentionally define an architecture that applies not only to NASA, but to other U.S. government agencies, international space and government agencies, and domestic and international industries to advance the openness, interoperability, and affordability of space communications. Cooperation among the worlds space agencies, their capabilities, standards, operations, and interoperability are key to advancing humankind's understand of the universe and extending human presence into the solar system.

Communications↗

NASA NTRS2017

Enabling Future Science and Human Exploration with NASA's Next Generation Near Earth and Deep Space Communications and Navigation Architecture

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is studying alternatives for the United States space communications architecture through the 2040 timeframe. This architecture provides communication and navigation services to both human exploration and science missions throughout the solar system. Several of NASA's key space assets are approaching their end of design life and major systems are in need of replacement. The changes envisioned in the relay satellite architecture and capabilities around both Earth and Mars are significant undertakings and occur only once or twice each generation, and therefore is referred to as NASA's next generation space communications architecture. NASA's next generation architecture will benefit from technology and services developed over recent years. These innovations will provide missions with new operations concepts, increased performance, and new business and operating models. Advancements in optical communications will enable high-speed data channels and the use of new and more complex science instruments. Modern multiple beam/multiple access technologies such as those employed on commercial high throughput satellites will enable enhanced capabilities for on-demand service, and with new protocols will help provide Internet-like connectivity for cooperative spacecraft to improve data return and coordinate joint mission objectives. On-board processing with autonomous and cognitive networking will play larger roles to help manage system complexity. Spacecraft and ground systems will coordinate among themselves to establish communications, negotiate link connectivity, and learn to share spectrum to optimize resource allocation. Spacecraft will autonomously navigate, plan trajectories, and handle off-nominal events. NASA intends to leverage the ever-expanding capabilities of the satellite communications industry and foster its continued growth. NASA's technology development will complement and extend commercial capabilities to meet unique space environment requirements and to provide capabilities that are beyond the commercial marketplace. The progress of the communications industry, including the emerging global space internet segment and its planned constellations of 100's of satellites offer additional opportunities for new capability and mission concepts. The opportunities and challenges of a future space architecture require an optimal solution encompassing a global perspective. The concepts and technologies intentionally define an architecture that applies not only to NASA, but to other U.S. government agencies, international space and government agencies, and domestic and international industries to advance the openness, interoperability, and affordability of space communications. Cooperation among the worlds space agencies, their capabilities, standards, operations, and interoperability are key to advancing humankinds understand of the universe and extending human presence into the solar system.

deep space↗

NASA NTRS2000

The NASA ASTP Combined-Cycle Propulsion Database Project

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) communicated its long-term R&D goals for aeronautics and space transportation technologies in its 1997-98 annual progress report (Reference 1). Under "Pillar 3, Goal 9" a 25-year-horizon set of objectives has been stated for the Generation 3 Reusable Launch Vehicle ("Gen 3 RLV") class of space transportation systems. An initiative referred to as "Spaceliner 100" is being conducted to identify technology roadmaps in support of these objectives. Responsibility for running "Spaceliner 100" technology development and demonstration activities have been assigned to NASA's agency-wide Advanced Space Transportation Program (ASTP) office located at the Marshall Space Flight Center. A key technology area in which advances will be required in order to meet these objectives is propulsion. In 1996, in order to expand their focus beyond "allrocket" propulsion systems and technologies (see Appendix A for further discussion), ASTP initiated technology development and demonstration work on combined-cycle airbreathing/rocket propulsion systems (ARTT Contracts NAS8-40890 through 40894). Combined-cycle propulsion (CCP) activities (see Appendix B for definitions) have been pursued in the U.S. for over four decades, resulting in a large documented knowledge base on this subject (see Reference 2). In the fall of 1999 the Combined-Cycle Propulsion Database (CCPD) project was established with the primary purpose of collecting and consolidating CCP related technical information in support of the ASTP's ongoing technology development and demonstration program. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) was selected to perform the initial development of the Database under its existing support contract with MSFC (Contract NAS8-99060) because of the company's unique combination of capabilities in database development, information technology (IT) and CCP knowledge. The CCPD is summarized in the descriptive 2-page flyer appended to this paper as Appendix C. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with an understanding of the objectives of the CCPD and relate the progress that has been made toward meeting those objectives.

Hyde, Eric H.↗

NASA NTRS2004

The Processing of Airspace Concept Evaluations Using FASTE-CNS as a Pre- or Post-Simulation CNS Analysis Tool

As NASA speculates on and explores the future of aviation, the technological and physical aspects of our environment increasing become hurdles that must be overcome for success. Research into methods for overcoming some of these selected hurdles have been purposed by several NASA research partners as concepts. The task of establishing a common evaluation environment was placed on NASA's Virtual Airspace Simulation Technologies (VAST) project (sub-project of VAMS), and they responded with the development of the Airspace Concept Evaluation System (ACES). As one examines the ACES environment from a communication, navigation or surveillance (CNS) perspective, the simulation parameters are built with assumed perfection in the transactions associated with CNS. To truly evaluate these concepts in a realistic sense, the contributions/effects of CNS must be part of the ACES. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has supported the Virtual Airspace Modeling and Simulation (VAMS) project through the continued development of CNS models and analysis capabilities which supports the ACES environment. NASA GRC initiated the development a communications traffic loading analysis tool, called the Future Aeronautical Sub-network Traffic Emulator for Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (FASTE-CNS), as part of this support. This tool allows for forecasting of communications load with the understanding that, there is no single, common source for loading models used to evaluate the existing and planned communications channels; and that, consensus and accuracy in the traffic load models is a very important input to the decisions being made on the acceptability of communication techniques used to fulfill the aeronautical requirements. Leveraging off the existing capabilities of the FASTE-CNS tool, GRC has called for FASTE-CNS to have the functionality to pre- and post-process the simulation runs of ACES to report on instances when traffic density, frequency congestion or aircraft spacing/distance violations have occurred. The integration of these functions require that the CNS models used to characterize these avionic system be of higher fidelity and better consistency then is present in FASTE-CNS system. This presentation will explore the capabilities of FASTE-CNS with renewed emphasis on the enhancements being added to perform these processing functions; the fidelity and reliability of CNS models necessary to make the enhancements work; and the benchmarking of FASTE-CNS results to improve confidence for the results of the new processing capabilities.

Mainger, Steve↗