NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Dr. Félix A. Miranda
Deputy Chief, Communications and Intelligent Systems Division
NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH 44135
Tel: 216.433.6589
The Distinguished Radar Lecture Series, November 8, 2019
Advanced Radar Research Center
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma, 73072
Overview of the Communications and Intelligent Systems Division at the
NASA Glenn Research Center
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NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
NASA’s plans for advancing aeronautics and space exploration requires optimization of
current capabilities and development of new ones to support its mission. A key requirement
associated with these efforts is the constant upgrading and optimization of communication
systems. This presentation will provide a brief overview of NASA efforts, with emphasis on
those being performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center, to develop communications
technologies and systems in support of NASA aerospace communications needs. Status of
specific technology examples in the area of cognitive communication systems, Advanced
RF Technologies, Networks, and Systems Architectures will be presented and their impact in
the overall scheme of needs will be discussed. In addition, cross- cutting technologies
which enable sensing, control and communications technologies to perform in extreme
environments as well as non-destructive evaluations techniques for vehicle health
monitoring and related purposes will be presented.
Abstract
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NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center
Lewis Field (Cleveland)
• 350 acres
• 1514 civil servants and 1,528 contractors
• 84 Pathways Interns (not included above)
Plum Brook Station (Sandusky)
• 6500 acres
• 21 civil servants and 105 contractors
50 miles Apart 3
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 4
Communications and Intelligent Systems Division (LC)
Education
PhD MS BS
119 FTE, 39 WYE
FY19: 40 Summer Student & Summer Faculty
Extensive Laboratories (~60)New Aerospace Communication Facility:
Ground Breaking 2019
This building will be approximately 55,000 square feet in size
housing approximately thirty modern, state-of-the-art Radio
Frequency (RF) and optical communications, electronics, networks,
and signal processing laboratories.
Communications and Intelligent Systems Division (LC)
Division Chief: Dawn C. Emerson Deputy Chief: Dr. Felix A. Miranda
Communications ST: Dr. Robert R. Romanofsky
Systems Architectures and Analytical Secure Networks1 System Integration Studies Branch and Test Branch
LCA/Richard C. Reinhart LCN/Robert E. Jones
Intelligent Control and Autonomy O~tics and Photonics Branch Branch LCP/Dr. Margaret Nazario
LCC/Kevin J. Melcher Smart Sensing and Electronics
Advanced High Freguency Branch Systems Branch
• • • LCF/Dr. James A. Nessel LCS/Diana Centeno-Gomez
Cognitive Signal Processing Branch LCI/Gene Fujikawa
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Communications and Intelligent Systems Division (LC)
LC Competency Elements:
Space Communications (SpaceComm) & Aeronautical
Communications (AeroComm)
Expertise:
• Architecture Definition & Analysis
• Network Research
• Comm System Integration & Test
• Signal Processing & Cognition
• Advanced High Frequency Components & Systems
• Optical Communications
Intelligent Systems – Cross-Cutting Competencies
Expertise:
• Optics and Photonics
• Smart Sensor Systems
• Instrumentation- Electronic
• Controls- Dynamic System Modeling and Controls
Perform and direct research and engineering in the competency fields of advanced communications and
intelligent systems with emphasis on advanced technologies, architecture definition & system development
for application in current and future aeronautics and space systems.
LC Support to NASA Mission Directorates
ARMD39%
ESMD4%
SCMD10%
SOMD38%
SSMS8%
STMD1%
FTE YTD Avg
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NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
GRC Communications and Navigation Competency OverviewCommunications Research, Advanced Technology Development, and Systems Engineering
Major Focus Areas: Advanced RF and Electromagnetic Systems, Cognitive Communications, Networks & Architectures,
Optical/Quantum Communications, Hybrid RF/Optical Systems, and Extreme Environment Communications
Portfolio• Research and discipline engineering covers a broad range of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-7)• Support provided to all Mission Directorates: Space (SCaN/HEOMD, SMD, STMD), and ARMD• Sample Research Activities include: Wideband Phased Array Antenna Systems; High Data Rate Architectures (HiDRA) communication
systems; Cognitive Communications (including development of cognitive algorithms, radios, and antennas); Real Time Optical Ground Receivers; Quantum Communications/Quantum Key Distribution; Hybrid RF/Optical Systems; Communications Through Hypersonic Plasma; Over the Horizon Lunar Surface communications.
• GRC host the NASA Spectrum Management Office
Facilities/Unique Capabilities• New Aerospace Communication Facility (ACF) will consolidate ~ 40 existing comm labs into one building, groundbreaking scheduled FY20• Antenna Ranges/Multiple Access Testbed for Research in Innovative Communications System (MATRICS) – Dynamic System Emulation• Communication, Navigation, & Surveillance Testbed – including Cleveland Hopkins Airport Test Facilities• GND Terminals & Control Centers: Cognitive Algorithms Demonstration Testbed (CADeT); Ka-band and S-band GND Station; fixed and
portable terminals for aeronautical and space experiments, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the National Air Space Control Center• Harsh Environment Capabilities: Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER); High-temperature electronics test platforms and clean rooms
(SiC), Cryo-electronics platforms & instrumentation, plasma chambers• Extensive communication architecture, system, sub-system, module, and component modeling and simulation tool
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NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
LEOGEO
7
Communications and Intelligent Systems Division (LC)
Optics and
Photonics
Systems Architectures
& Analytical Studies
Cognitive Signal Processing
Intelligent Control
and Autonomy
Advanced High
FrequencySmart Sensing and
Electronics Systems
Communications System Architectures
Analytical System Studies – M&S
Spectrum Analysis
Extreme Environment Sensors & Electronics
Electro-Optical Sensing
Thin Film Physical Sensors
Radio Systems – SDRs,
Signal Processing and Cognition
Position, Navigation & Timing
Intelligent Controls
Dynamic Modeling
Health Management
Secure Networks, System
Integration and Test Branch
Network Research/Security
System Integration/Test/Demo
Optical Communications/Quantum Comm
Hyperspectral Imaging
Optical Instrumentation- Flow Diagnostics
Health Monitoring
Antennas Design and Metrology
Propagation
RF Systems and Components
3-D Electromagnetic Modeling
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 8
Future Aerospace Communication Architecture to Meet Mission Needs
Desired Attributes: • Interoperable• Autonomous• Predictive• Reconfigurable• Networked• Resilient• Reliable• Extensible• Ultra Wideband• High Date Rates• Delay Tolerant• Affordable
Introduction of “New Entrant Vehicles” will dramatically
change the National Air Space (NAS).
Reliable Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance
systems are critical for safe integration of vehicles in the
NASNext Generation Space and Aero CNS Infrastructure is Very Complex. GRC Technologies and
Communications Systems Engineering Capabilities are Key Enablers
Cognitive Communications
Advanced RF Technologies
Network Research
Architecture Definition, Analysis & Test
Complex system of communication networks
support near-Earth and deep space missions
Ref: Jim Schier, HQ SCaN
Aero Space,.,,,
Lunar Network
Lunar Relay
HLO -----~ --------·
Near Rectilinear .•• }\ Proximity Orbit (NRO) ./ :' : \ Links
c ·:::> ::'( l --.·>· ... Exploratio~,: '.,
Habit,?.:/ .• ~ ,
: ~ ~,r ' Solence/
_./R~lay Orbiter
LLO
Benefits of Planetary Networks:
Earth Network Mars Network
Mars Relay
• Reduced mission burden with short links for in-system communications• enables in-system telerobotics • Common architecture reduces technology & development costs • Reuse of HW & SW: Family of products includes variants for different environments • Reuse of spectrum
LMO
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 9
Signal Processing and
Cognitive Communications
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 10
Roadmap to Cognitive Began by Advancing Software Defined Radios (SDRs)
GRC developed the SCaN Testbed (STB) – Installed on the ISS
2012-2019
Technology Demonstration Mission to mature Communication,
Navigation, & Networking technologies for application in space
Partnered with 25 organizations and successfully demonstrated
many new Comm, Nav, & Networking techniques
3 SDRs – adds great flexibility to systems
successfully demonstrated reconfiguration of radios 888
times – dispelling perception that “reconfiguration poses
significant mission risk”
SCaN Testbed paved the way for NASA’s Cognitive
Communication Project
Key Goal – Infuse cognitive technologies into
systems to improve performance, reliability,
efficiency, & resilience, while decreasing
operator/user burden
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
SCaN Testbed Technology Commercialization Highlight
NASA GRC and Harris were inducted into the Space Foundation’s Space
Technology Hall of Fame for the Ka-band SDR in March 2019.
– NASA and Harris developed the SDR in a 50/50 cost-share partnership
SCaN Testbed SDR evolved into a reconfigurable multi-mission payload
called Harris AppSTAR™ and has been deployed on a variety of
satellites:
– Hosted platform for the Iridium NEXT satellites for Aireon’s Automatic
Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) payload, the world’s first space-
based global air traffic surveillance service
– Payload that enables the world’s lowest-latency ship tracking service,
exactEarth’s exactViewRT,
“The Space Technology Hall of Fame was created in 1988 to recognize life-changing technologies emerging from global space programs; honor the scientists, engineers and
innovators responsible; and communicate to the public the importance of these technologies as a return on investment in space exploration.”
https://www.spacefoundation.org/what-we-do/space-technology-hall-fame
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NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Path to Cognitive Communications Systems
Cognitive System Technologies
System-Wide Optimization & Scheduling
Cognitive Routing & Networking
Node-to-Node Link OptimizationEnhanced
Algorithms, Radios,Processors, and
Devices (Antenna)
Cognitive Signal Processing
Advanced RF Technologies
Network Research
Quantum Communications
System Architecture
GRC
Communications
disciplines
combine to
enable cognitive
systems
System State Awareness
Environmental Awareness
Analyze Predict
Decide Adapt
Learn
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Cognitive Applications
3 Adaptive
Coded Modulation
Variable Coded
Modulation
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Path to Cognitive Communications Systems
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Adaptive coding and modulation with cognitive engines • Choose opt:irnal settings by
predict:ing channel condit:ions • Elirninat:e the need for
calculating precise link budgets
Self-configuration of radio by modulation recognition of signal • Perform signal recognition
that: al/01Ns selfconfiguration and link acquisition even 1Nit:h noise or vveak signal
Cognitive compensation for propagation and nonlinear channel effects • Classify overall channel degradation by it:s component: effect:s and
rnitigate each one appropriately
- Learned communicat:ion channel optimizat:ion {DeepSig)
interference mitigation • Automatically sense and
avoid spectrurn int:erference by changing frequency,, bandvvidth,, and data rat:e
• Cognitive engines to identify and remove interference
Optimal hand-off between Optical and RF links
- lnt:egrat:e FSO and RF seamlessly t:o form a unified transport:
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 14
Path to Cognitive Communications Systems
Autonomously selected best link to optimize performance (data rate, latency)
N~ ~A . ' J ·' . . .
. -·coGNITIVE NET.WQR:K's · _- .. ,:- :-·~ ,-- -~ . - . . . . ~. . . . ·• - . . . . . . . . . .
. . . ·. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cross-layer optimization and discovery of network devices • Aut:onornously assign Qualit:y of Service rnet:rics t:o user
dat:a
• Discover capabilit:ies of user radios on SCaN net:\Nork
Drop user spacecraft data at any space or ground asset • lrnprove net:\Nork rnanagernent: and responsiveness
• Elirninat:e t:he need for reserving specific asset:s for
cust:orners
Delay and disruption tolerance (DTN) over multiple hops • Apply CE t:o det:errnine t:he opt:irnal rout:e t:hrough a
space net:\Nork \Nit:h infrequent: or dist:ant: nodes
Network security for integration of commercial providers • To prot:ect: user dat:a and provide flexibilit:y \Nhen using
t:hird-part:y t:ransport: services
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 15
Path to Cognitive Communications Systems
Determine optimum link configuration• Configuration to target link, network performance, past
performance, priority, & data urgency.
How much time?Operations Center
Which Satellite?
Enable user spacecraft to request high-rate data services…to allow SCaN services to be scheduled in near real-time
Distributed Cognition• Network configurations based on
priority, throughput, asset availability, schedule, and performance
Decisions
Schedule Requests
QoS Reports
Link Configuratio
n
Asset
Utilization
Mission Database
Schedule Predictions
Flight demo – August 2017
17 service requests granted and executed
Over 200 minutes of service autonomously executed
Scheduled with as little as 15 minutes lead time
instead of 3 weeks.
II,!; - • iii _..
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: ·. -~ .•~ ·-: . ; ,. . . . . ... . . ": ...
.. ::.:d_ ... . · ·. --~-. ·._-·_ --- ~ ~ : . . . ·,:, --. . . : ,.
' _... •· .. • - ,... . "!" .-: . --~~ . .,, · .. ;
; ;
;
·· .. · : .. . ·• . . . . . .
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 16
Node-to-Node Link Optimization
Autonomously reconfigured radio operating parameters to
compensate for dynamic link environment
Demonstrated increase in data throughput – Efficient
Spectrum Utilization
Path to Cognitive Communications Systems
Take Away Points
Autonomously selected best link to optimize
performance (e.g., data rate, latency)
Autonomously scheduled and executed
communication services considerably reducing
lead time for services (e.g., from 3 weeks to 15
minutes)
Cognitive Links
Cognitive Networks
Cognitive Systems:
User Initiated Services
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 17
Advanced RF Technologies
Future Communications Infrastructure Requires Interoperability
Future communication systems require interoperabilitybetween Government and Commercial satellite networks
TDRSSTracking Beams
Commercial GEOTracking Beams
DoD Tracking Beams
Commercial MEOTracking Beams
Commercial LEOMulti-Beam ESAs
Commercial GEOSpot Beams
NASA Owned
International
Partners and
Government
Assets
CommercialService Providers (CSPs)
GRC technologies will address key challenges:
• Wide frequency range of operations
• Large trade space of architectures with varying capabilities
• Mix of open standard and provider-specific proprietary waveforms
• Unique networking protocols across individual CSPs – seamless
hand-offs
I I Wideband Program Technology Gaps Wideband Ka-Band Universal Terminal
NASA Service Provider (TORS or NGCI - -. • .
• • • • .
. • • • • . . . . .
• User
Spacecraft
NASA Standard
Waveform
Commercial Service Providers (CSPs)
. . •
·• .: W~"ttform - NASA TORS/NGC
W~veform -CSPs
OoO Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)
Waveform • . . . . . . . • . • .
Key Technology Gaps Use of commercial Ka relay services in space
User Tx: User Rx:
25.5 - 31.0
17.8-23.6
Low Cost Wideband Phased Arra
Flexible Wideband Front End
Common SOR hosting NASA, Commercial, OoO Waveforms with FMI
Long Term Objective/Capability: Develop a iklsi.12.k. space user terminal which can support roaming capability across NASA. Commercial. and DoD relay services at Ka-band. Based an J. Schier: "SA TCOM Architecture Interoperability Options"
]
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
UAS in the NAS
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
N~~A . ·. ' .J ·.·
National Aeronautics and N -~ ' ~~, Space Administ ration ~ -~·-· .•- ..
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project
..,. ~ -, -
Cooperative aircraft -1': . ,. · <::!
., -# . <I'~
Sense and Avoid
~ ~ ~ ~
Small UAS (sUAS) Mission Support Technologies
;::::-
UAS ground control station
UAS vehic~e autonomy
Command and Control
LEGENO --Sense and Avoid (SANDAA Technologies)
Air Traffic Services Control and Nonpayload Communications (CNPC) Network
-- Legacy Command and Control (C2) Links
ACRONYMS ADS-S: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast DAA: Detect and Avoid T"•S-11: Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System TRA<,u... -'oal Radar Approach Control Facility
l ,,.,.- _. - . n " ~ ~~--- -- t ,
--~ , - . - ~ . I -----· ~ Air. traffic·servici!s...·, e,
- - - (TRACONs)'e, ' ..._ UAS Restricted-Use Certifi~afi_f)n~ __ --- -
,v ,,., -.i,_. ,,,. -.i.,,v -.i., . ii -~~-., ~ .. ~ Precision agriculture
www.nasa.gov __ , ... ~_
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Reliable and Secure Communications for Urban Air Mobility
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
N~~A ' ' J.·
Buildin Blocks .. ~ / - :,&L
"' • Antennas ' . •
• Radio •
• Network • -:.
• ,,..
~ • ---- .. • ' i· • -. ,.
.-.. ...
Tech no lo Needs
Low SWa . .e Hardware • Wideband/Agile Hardware • Cognitive Systems • V2V Communications • Sense and Avoid • Big Data •
.__ • ' , .
/(' ·•
- ................. ···········-··············· ... Q
! I
Communications is an Enabling Technology
- •-. ..1=. ... . .-- .. ~- ~ - ~ - - .
--.,., .... ---~ -. . . - .;:_;~ .. - •·: - - - .-- ·
uirements
Interference Mitigation
Interoperable Networks Efficient Spectrum Utilization
High Data Throughput Low Latency Links Anti Spoofing
Secure Networks
-.. ... '\.,-~.,,:~ ,, - . !- · ......
::: - "-7 ~~ :r-~ --~~ - . -~
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
RF Technologies
Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)
(Circa 2004-2009)
GRC Advanced Ka- and
Q-Band Ground Terminals
(Circa 2014)
(Ongoing)
Ultrawide band antennas
WISM demonstrates 8-40 GHz operation
(Nuvotronics, Inc.) Outer dimensions of the antenna
are 71.1mm by 71.1mm, although the PolyStrata®
portion is 38.1mm on a side.
Teletenna for iROC
CLAS-ACT 4 Element Sub-Array Antenna
on Aerogel Substrate in Test Range:
CIF SS under Test
Switched Array
360° Az, 30° El Coverage
3D Printed Antennas For
SmallSat & UAS applications
Collaborative effort with UTEP, UNM, and COSMIAC
Kymeta Antenna in Cylindrical Near Field Range
Receiver at University of Alaska
Fairbanks (UAF)
GPS L5 Phased Array developed for
the Terrain Imaging
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Antenna Metrowgy Facilities
• Far Fisld Range • Near FUld Range • Compact Range • Near Fisld Cyli11drical Range • Antenna N ear Field Planar Scanner
Aerospace Communications Facility (ACF) (expected in pince circa 2021)
-·-1 .a-- .- - -a---·. - -
-~ ~ ~ ... ~6' ..
ZIii C
Large Aperture Antennas
BB2.5 Radomc Antenna
--- - ,. ~ ~ -~-~--..., .. [. - - . ~
+--
Co11/ormal Lightweight Antenna Structures for A eronautical Communicatio11 Tech11ologies (CLAS-ACT):
Goal: Develop conformal aerogel antenna element and subarray to reduce SWaP in UAV SatComm Systems
Aerogel Antennas
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Advanced Antenna Technology
Traditional Reflector Antenna
•High performance
•Large mass/volume
•Heavy Mechanical gimbal
•Fixed Radiation Pattern
22
Traditional Phased Array
•High performance
•Large mass/volume (7.5 lbs)
•Electronic steering
•Flexible Radiation Pattern
•High cost, long lead (custom IC’s)
Phased Arrays are now a viable low cost and low SWaP solution
Phased Array with Silicon IC’s
•High performance
•Low mass/volume (1 lb)
•Electronic steering
•Flexible Radiation Pattern
•Lower cost, lead time (COTS IC’s)
Why phased arrays and why now
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)
Advanced Antenna Technology
USER 1@ Freq 1
USER 2@ Freq 2
JAMMER/INTERFERER
USER 3@ Freq 1
USER 4@ Freq 1
Cognitive Antennas Conformal Aerogel Antenna Array
Environmentally perceptive
antenna that can dynamically
adjust:
Beam Direction
Beamwidth
Number of Beams
Power
Frequency & Bandwidth
Wideband - Operates over NASA,
Commercial, DoD Frequencies
Detects and mitigates Interference
Graceful Degradation
Intelligence shared between
antenna and radio
Optimize spectral, spatial, &
temporal resources
Low SWaP – enable Beyond
Line of Sight SATCOM
Command and Control for
smaller UAS
Conformal Design – Reduces
Drag
Electronic Beamforming-
Minimize Interference with
Ground Stations
Fast Beam Steering-
Cooperative Flying
Spatial Sensing of Environment
– Informs Cognition
Cognitive Radio
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....
TU NABLE RADIATORS
FREQUEN CY
CONVERSION/
AMPLIFICATION
DIGITIZATION
....
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Phased Array Antenna for both Radar and Communications
Radar Application
• Detection
• Two-way channel: R4
• Reflected path causes
low Rx signal
• Capacity based on power
and dwell time
• Target Resolution
• Scanning search volume
• Disadvantaged/mobile
users
Communications Application
• Estimation
• One-Way channel: R2/R3
• Long path range causes low
Rx signal
• Capacity based on power and
bandwidth
• Interference Mitigation
• Pointing acquisition and
tracking of mobile users
• Disadvantaged/mobile users
Common needs Provided with Phased Array Antenna
---------------- Low noise Rx ------------
---------------- High Power Tx --------------
----------- Fast Electronic Steering ----------
--------------- Flexible Directive Beam -------
------------------ Low SWaP --------------------
https://www.portvision.com/news-events/press-releases-news/ais-vs-radar-vessel-tracking-optionsportvision
https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/05/04/airbus-study-support-satcomm-french-military/
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Atmospheric Propagation
Ground StationAntenna Size
System Temperature
SpacecraftAntenna Size
EIRP
Propagation ChannelRain Attenuation
Gaseous AbsorptionDepolarization
Free Space Loss
It is well understood that the largest uncertainty in Earth-space communications system design lies in the impact of the stochastic atmospheric channel on propagating electromagnetic waves.
Proper characterization of the atmosphere is necessary to mitigate risk and reduce lifetime costs through the optimal design of the space and ground segment.
As NASA continues to move towards Ka-band operations (currently) and millimeter wave/optical frequencies (future), the need for this data is becoming more and more evident and requested by system designers.
Primary Objectives of Propagation Data Collection: • To reduce mission risk and mission costs by
ensuring optimal design of SATCOM systems• To minimize loss of mission critical data
25
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Atmospheric Propagation
Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN) 26
......... i~ ... . •J'-. , _ .. - , .. ,u ,___a&. • -··· ·•· .
Haleakala, HI • Optical Propagation • Cloud Attenuation
White Sands, NM • 20 GHz
• Gaseous Absorption • Rain Fade
• Phase
Fairbanks, AK • 20 GHz • Scintillation cnes • Rain Fade • Depolarl:z,atlon O N RA
• LowEJevation Angle• SkyTemperature ---:-:---
• Rain Fade • Gaseous Absorption
Sky Temperature
~ • .... ·- "'!I. .. ' .. ~,__ '. ~f
. - .....:-·· '~ ... • ~- -· , t_ -~~
: '
A I bu q u er q u e , NM \ 70/SOGHz
• Rain Fade • Depolarization
-----------GRC Testbed Cleveland, OH
Svalbard • 20 GHz • Gaseous Absorption ·
• Depolarization ! Rain Fade
• Low Elevation Ang.I -~s..,.•~-~d•-.111~ ~.,,
• Scintillation• .. · 'l!..,....JZ
Milan, Italy
1,6
HERIOT
-~~;~.:.1 Edinburgh, UK \.~ !! ., ~-
• 40GHz •~ ·~ ~ ,..~~_/
• Rain Fade , ·~ ·
• Low Elevation Ang\ . • _ :• •. ~: -
• 20/40 GHz • Sclntlllatlon • Rain Fade
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Communications System-Level Emulation
The MATRICS(Multiple Access Testbed for Research in Innovative Communications Systems)
A hardware-in-the-loop testbed for emulation
of real-life conditions affecting future
aeronautics and space communications
architectures and technologies
Approach
Simulate realistic flight scenarios with various non-
ideal conditions
Scale communications links into an emulated
environment using prototype/flight antennas, radios,
or communications subsystems
Perform CONOPS, architecture trades, pre-flight
assessments, and hardware characterization for
NASA & commercial technologies.
Presently supports space-to-space dynamic link
emulation (e.g., EIRP, Propagation loss; Doppler effects;
Pointing loss; G/T for LEO passes; etc.)
In process of upgrading to support aerocomm dynamic
link emulations (e.g., Multipath; Propagation loss and
delay; Interference sources)
Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)
Comm. Links
Multipath
Doppler
Interference
UAM Scenario
Channel
Emulator
Doppler
Propagation
27
•••••••• •••• •• •• •••• •• •• •••••• •• •• •• •• •• •••• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• (' " > •• .... . ......
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)
RF/Optical Hybrid and Optical Technologies
28
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC)
Key enabling technologies • Combined RF/optical Teletenna
• Precision beaconless pointing /navigation
through sensor fusion
• RF/optical Software Defined Radio (SDR)
• Networked RF/optical link management (DTN)
Combining RF & optical for minimal Size, Weight and Power (SWaP)
iROC Objectives: • Combine the best features of deep space RF and optical
communications elements into an integrated system:
• Increase data throughput while reducing spacecraft mass,
power and volume.
• Extensible to, and mitigates risk for missions from near
Earth to deep space.
• Prototype and demonstrate performance of key components
to increase TRL, leading to an integrated hybrid
communications system demonstration.
13
iROC Technology Demonstrator
Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN) 29
··-x_ 'S9 · ~
ground receivers (RF & optical)
RF beam
optical beam
spacecraft transmitter
(RF & optical)
~- ., .
COMMUNICATIONS I INTELUGENT SYSTEMS OIYISION
NASA6LEMNRE5EA.RCHCENIEA
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Real Time Optical Receiver (RealTOR)
30
Vision:
• Provide a COTS, portable, scalable, low cost
solution for optical communications photon
counting ground receivers, enabling greater data
return for scientists.
Objectives:
• Build, test, and demonstrate a ground Real Time
Optical Receiver (RealTOR) system for future
photon-counting receivers including the aft
optics (photonic lantern), single photon counting
detectors, and real time FPGA-based receiver.
• Deliver system to end user for future missions
Key Features:
• Compatible with CCSDS telemetry (downlink)
optical communications standard (high photon
efficiency)
• Ground receiver will initially be able to receive
the Orion 2 Optical (O2O) baseline waveform
(PPM 32, Rate 1/3, 80 Mbps), but will be
scalable up to 522 Mbps (near-term) and
ultimately orders of Gbps (longer-term) Transmitter and receiver rack
Light from back-end
telescope optics
*B.E. Vyhnalek, S.A. Tedder, E.J. Katz, J.M. Nappier, "Few mode fiber
coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for photon
efficient optical communications," Proc. SPIE 10910, Free-Space Laser
Communications XXXI, 109100D (22 February 2019);
doi:10.1117/12.2510958
*
: ~ I ~ ~ fl \ I '\)
• I ' .. ~ '" -~'
I Photonic Lantern I
Rea I Time Optical Receiver
Polarization Controller
COTS
SNSPD
Det ectors
Channel Combining Electronics
& ADC
FPGA-based
receiver
a: LJ.J
"'
10•
10 - 1
Bit Error Rate (BER) for PPM-32 , 40 Mbps
j J__- Capacity
- ---- - • Measured, CH l - - , - - _ A Measured. CH2
' ~ A - Sim . a,,,=60 ps (RMS)
--- Sim, a,,,=80 ps (RMS)
10-2
10-J
I
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10- 5 +-----+-L---f-----l~ ---l---------l------l - 20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15
Ks/M (d B)
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Real Time Optical Receiver (RealTOR)
Free space to Fiber coupling:
• Photonic lantern (one multimode fiber input to many SMF or FMF outputs)
• Input fiber core size, number of outputs, and output fiber core size scalable to application
• In house prototyping capability
Single photon detectors:
• COTS Quantum Opus detectors, portable, rack-mounted
• Array of single-pixel detectors (scalable up to 32) sharing one cryostat
• Couple to SMF or FMF
• Continuous operation, Includes amplifier electronics, 60-80% efficient
FPGA-based Receiver:
• COTS Vadatech platform
• Transmit and receive compatible with CCSDS downlink optical waveform (high photon
efficiency)
• Firmware and software reprogrammable, well documented, and [will be] released for re-use
• Real Time processing
Portable, Scalable Real Time Optical Receiver Features
31
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)
GRC quantum communication lab was established in 2001 The activity from 2001 to 2006 was focused on quantum
communications and sensing utilizing entangled photons• Single photon Bessel beam demonstrated• Multiple bits per photon transmitted utilizing Orbital Angular Momentum states
2005 - 2007 the research effort focused on quantum networks 2007 GRC investigated better quantum entangled photon sources
through the SBIR program 2009 a very promising SBIR began with ADVR inc. 2015 high intensity waveguide source of time / energy entangled
photons delivered 2016 to 2017, study high rate modulation for free space quantum
communications 2017 SBIR Phase I High intensity waveguide source of polarization
entangled photons awarded 2018 Quantum communications to aircraft project begins (CAS
ARMD) 2019 Roadmap/Strategic Plan
GRC Quantum Communications Research Activity
32
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Technologies for Harsh Environment and Non-Destructive Evaluation
33
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
• Needs:
Operation In Harsh Environments
Range Of Physical And Chemical Measurements
Increase Durability, Decrease Thermal Shielding, Improve In-situ Operation
• Response: Unique Range Of Harsh Environment
Technology And Capabilities
Standard 500˚c Operation By Multiple Systems
Temperature, Pressure, Chemical Species, Wind Flow Available
High Temperature Electronics To Make Smart Systems
• Enable Expanded Mission Parameters/In-situ Measurements
• Long Lived High Temperature Electronics At 500˚CHarsh Environment
Packaging
(10,000 hours at 500˚C)
Range of Physical and Chemical
Sensors for Harsh Environments
High Temperature
Signal Processing and
Wireless
Moving Towards:
High Temperature
“Lick and Stick”
Systems
Long Lived In-Situ Surface
Explorer (LLISSE)
HARSH ENVIRONMENT ELECTRONICS AND SENSORS APPLICATIONS
34
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Optical Instrumentation
BOS produced flow image shown with
QueSST CFD surface model
Develop, advance & implement optical flow and
surface diagnostic techniques
Simulate, Measure and Validate flight conditions that
“vehicles” are experiencing in test facilities
Optical techniques are everything!!
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
Key terms:
PSPs=Pressure Sensitive Paints
PIV=Particle Image Velocimetry
Background oriented schlieren
Key terms:
BOS=Background Oriented Schlieren
QueSST =Quiet Super Sonic Technology
CFD=Computational Fluid Dynamic
35
AdMalilced Qptical Metho,ds··and Enhanced --~-,,, ..
. Sensing
Surface
• PSPs • Fiber Bragg Gratings • Infrared Thermography
Advanced Schlieren
High Speed PIV Flow Angularity
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 36
Network Research
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 37
High Rate Science Data Transport to Optical Systems on ISSProviding a High-Speed Interface for the Payload Linking to the Laser Communication Relay DemonstratorN~~A
. ·. ' .J ·.·
Joint Station LAN
100Mbps
,El LinuxVM DTNlon
Ultrascale FPGA, 100 Gbps extensibility
DDR-4 and SSD
o Features simultaneous read and write capabUity o Supports the capability to store, carry and
forward 30 Tb of data daily
Gig-E
interface(.s)
Communication Channels
2.23 Gbps , ; ... - - - - - - -
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 38
Architecture Definition & Systems Engineering
Requirements & Standards
System Analysis & Emulation
Integration & Test
C0IWIIIICATI0IS I INTELUGENT SYSTEMS OMSION
NASA6LEMNRE5EA.RCHCENIEA
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 39
SCaN Future Architecture
SCaN Interplanetary Network
Breaking Ka Band Interoperability Barriers
Space Communications and Navigation Vision
GRC is facilitating the use of commercial services by:
• Leading industry architecture studies – 8 studies on-going
• Technology development and demonstration – wideband interoperability, high
data rate routing processing, cognition
Time to update both Near Earth and
Mars Relay satellite infrastructure Near Earth TDRS are nearing their
design lifetime…expected to retire
TDRSS by 2025 timeframe
Plan for NASA to use commercial
communications services for Near-
Earth space comm
Mars relays satellite (MRO)
expected to reach end of life in 2025
timeframe
Human exploration of the Moon and
Mars requires new/updated
communications infrastructureRef: Mr. Badri Younes, Deputy Associate Administrator for Space
Communications and Navigation (SCaN).
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 40
GRC Communications Systems Analysis
• GRC has extensive
communications and
navigation architecture and
system analysis capability
to quantify current and
future space
communication network
availability, throughput,
performance, and other
aspects.
• SCENIC provides initial
analysis of communication
architectures
100 j •n
X-Band with Tx - Antenna Diameter = (34m, l8m1 llmJ
- Tx Diameter• 34m - Tx Oiameter• 18m
11XJOOOOO
1000000
100000
10000
1000
1(1)
10
Tx Diameter• 1 lm
'"
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 41
Lunar Relay Architecture Analysis
• Concept using small satellites
provide continuous coverage of
south pole, complimenting
Gateway’s comm coverage
– S-Band low rate from lunar south
pole
– Ka-Band to Gateway or Earth
• Support Agency Lunar Gateway
mission requirements
• Provides Lunar and near lunar
comm & nav infrastructure
• Potential for related interplanetary
and deep space missions
41
Dual small satellite Lunar South Pole Coverage Concept
South pole Coverage
Small Sat Concept
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 42
Deep Space
Gateway (DSG)
Power &
Propulsion
Element (PPE)
Orion
Power & Propulsion Element (PPE)
PPE is the first element of
NASA’s Deep Space Gateway
Gateway will establish US
preeminence in cislunar space &
is central to advancing US
exploration goals
GRC leads the Power,
Propulsion (& Communications
element)
GRC is the Communications
Lead
Requirements Definition
Communication Systems
Analysis
Contract Oversight
PPE schedule launch 2022
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
Dynamic Modeling, Control and Testing
43
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Hybrid Gas Electric Propulsion (HGEP) Dynamic Modeling, Controls, and Testing
Alternative, Power, Propulsion, and Vehicle Architectures
NASA is conducting research on the development of transformative
propulsion systems that offer efficiency and emission reduction
benefits
We develop innovative tools and methods to enable system design
and evaluation
HGEP System Modeling and Controls Dynamic model of Single-Aisle Turboelectric Aircraft With Aft
Boundary Layer (STARC-ABL) partial turboelectric propulsion
concept developed
STARC-ABL baseline control system developed and shown to
provide acceptable performance throughout flight envelope
Facility Demonstrations Hardware-in-the-loop testing of STARC-ABL propulsion system
conducted at the NASA Electric Aircraft Tested (NEAT) facility− Simulated turbomachinery components integrated with actual motor,
generator, and power distribution hardware NASA Electrified Aircraft Testbed (NEAT)
STARC-ABL Turboelectric
Aircraft Concept
HGEP System Modeling and Controls
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) 44
r.,
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 45
System Health Management
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Intelligent Control and Autonomy support for NASA Human
Exploration & Operations
Systems Engineering & Integration
Vehicle Management
Mission & Fault Management (M&FM)
ICAB Support
• Develop and test algorithms for BS TVC, CS TVC, EPS, SDQC
• Develop IVFM models & analyses to verify design compliance with fault mgmt. requirements.
Integrated Vehicle Failure Model (IVFM) – COTS software
used to model the propagation of failure modes through the
vehicle and its subsystems. The model is then used to support
verification of fault management requirements intended to
protect the crew and lead to mission success.
Space Launch System
SL
S B
loc
k 1
Mission & Fault Management (M&FM) Algorithms –
SysML-based tools are used to develop Mission and Fault
Management (non-GN&C) algorithms that manage nominal
and off-nominal vehicle operation from prelaunch through
disposal. Algorithms are verified using both analysis and
hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Sensor Data Qualification – Supports abort confirmation &
other higher-level M&FM algorithms by analyzing data from
flight critical sensors at the flight computer to determine if data
represents the true system state. Bad data is identified and
flagged so it is not used by other M&FM algorithms.
46
IVFM Subsystem Model
Sensor Data Qualification
M&FM Algorithm
BS TVC= Booster Thrust Vector Control; CS TVC = Core Stage Thrust
Vector Control; EPS = Electrical Power System; SDQC= Sensor Data
Qualification and Consolidation
···----1-;::.;-:::~ I ~::t~~- 1
cb..:.::.:--' ·:;.::...
' ;;·-·~1 ~·~-~
C0IWIIIICATI0IS I INTELUGENT SYSTEMS OMSION
NASA 6LEMNRE5EA.RCHCENIEA
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Sensor Data Qualification and Consolidation
Real-time algorithms that process flight-critical sensor data prior to use for onboard vehicle control and decision-making.
Monitors and evaluates sensor data to detect faults and anomalies
Provides higher-level functions with Data Quality Indicators (DQI) that capture analysis results for each sensor.
Systematically reduces redundant sensor data streams that arise from hardware redundancies built into vehicle avionics.
Sensor Data Qualification and Consolidation
Rationale
Avionics hardware redundancies provide fault tolerant flight-critical sensor measurements
Redundant sensors measure the same physical property
Redundant avionics boxes process and digitize sensor signals
Redundant data busses transmit each sensor measurement on multiple data paths
Sensor Data Qualification needed to detect faults and anomalies anywhere along entire sensor data path
Sensor Data Consolidation needed to reduce the amount of redundant sensor data prior to use by higher-level decision-making functions
R1 R2 S1R3
Bus 1Bus 2
Bus 3
Hardware-Redundant Sensors Single Sensor
Avionics
Box 1
Avionics
Box 2
Sensor Data Consolidation
Data Quality Indicator (DQI)
ConsolidatedSensor Data
High-LevelFunction
High-LevelFunction
High-LevelFunctionRaw
Sensor Data
Dat
a P
re-p
roce
sso
r(C
alib
rati
on
& E
U C
on
vers
ion
)
w/ persistence Input Validation
Check
Sensor Data Qualification
w/ persistence Reasonableness
Checks
w/ persistence Redundancy
Checks
Down-SelectRedundant Data Paths
Consolidate HardwareRedundant Sensors
47
I I I ~• I
' .. 1 I I - I ~• ' I I I I • .. f-+ • • • ,. I I
• ... - ' ~
I I ... ~
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Mission and Fault Management - Integrated Vehicle Failure Model (IVFM)
Model Definition
• Developed with a COTS software package and supported by internally developed software tools
• Developed at the element or subsystem level, then integrated into a system model.
• Abstract qualitative representation of the failure effect propagation within the system architecture
Design Information
Schematic
Failure Analysis Data
IVFM Analysis Support
• Flight Software and Ground
System Algorithm Evaluation
Map possible failure modes
that would be detected for
specified algorithm
• Assessment of Line-
Replaceable-Unit (LRU)
Requirements
Determine if candidate LRU
component meets detectability
and isolation requirements
Current system-level model
has 40,000 failure modes.
IVFM Subsystem Model
48
·---.. ·______ .,_
,::..::.::::::.. --·· :=..-.J:::==::.
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 49
SUMMARY
The GRC’s Communications and Intelligent Systems Division performs and directs research and
engineering in the competency fields of advanced communications and intelligent systems with
emphasis on advanced technologies, architecture definition & system development for
application in current and future aeronautics and space systems.
Research and discipline engineering covers a broad range of technology readiness levels (TRL).
We are open to joint collaborative efforts with Other Government Agencies (OGA), Industry, and
Academia.
Our Internship opportunities for both Students and Faculty have proven to be an effective tool in
fostering the aforementioned collaborations as a well as a pipe line for newly hired workforce.
NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE
Thank you very much for your attention !!
50
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