Browse Topic: Satellite communications

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Enhancing Rotorcraft Safety: Zero-Shot Visual Language Model for Obstacle Detection around Helipads from Satellite ImageryF-0081-2025-02895/20/2025
Rotorcraft continue to experience higher fatal accident rates compared to fixed-wing aircraft, primarily due to low altitude flight operations and reduced situational awareness in complex environments. A critical factor is the limited availability of accurate, up-to-date information on helipads and surrounding obstacles - such as trees, poles, and buildings - that pose significant risks during takeoff and landing. Existing resources, including the Federal Aviation Administration's heliport registry, are often outdated and incomplete, particularly for private or state-operated sites, and fail to report nearby obstacles. This lack of up-to-date data is largely due to privacy restrictions at certain locations and the high cost associated with comprehensive obstacle surveys. To address this challenge, we develop a deep learning (DL) framework that automatically detects helipads and nearby obstacles from high-resolution satellite imagery. Our approach combines Mask R-CNN for precise pixel-level helipad segmentation with Grounding DINO, a zero-shot vision-language model that identifies obstacles using flexible text prompts (e.g., "Pole", "Tree") without task-specific training. This text-guided, scalable detection method adapts to diverse and evolving operational settings. We validate our framework across helipads in the United States, and demonstrate strong performance in both helipad localization and obstacle detection. In addition, we build a web-based application that automates image processing, updates incorrect heliport coordinates, and provides obstacle reports. This work aims to enhance aviation safety, modernize infrastructure records, and deliver scalable tools to the aviation and machine learning communities.
Khelifi, Amine, Carannante, Giuseppina, Bouaynaya, Nidhal, Johnson, Charles
Honeywell Aspire-Series Satellite Communication System Validation on the NRC Bell 412 Advanced System Research AircraftF-0077-2021-168765/10/2021
ABSTRACT
Tolonen, Erik, Alexander, Marc
Intelligent Helipad Detection from Satellite ImageryF-0077-2021-168565/10/2021
ABSTRACT
Johnson, Charles, Specht, David, Bouaynaya,  Nidhal, Rasool,  Ghulam
MEDIA INDEPENDENT SECURE OFFBOARD NETWORKARINC848 (Current)6/19/2020
ARINC Specification 848 is a functional standard based on a protocol specification profile for a secured network interface. The purpose is to define a common method of initiating a mutually authenticated tunnel between an aircraft service and its Enterprise service. ARINC Specification 848 defines a standard implementation for securing the communications between an onboard Local Area Network (LAN) and an Enterprise LAN on the ground. Various aircraft network architectures and various air to ground communication channels (aka media) are accommodated in this document. For example, L-band Satellite Communication (Satcom), Ku/Ka-band Satcom, Gatelink Cellular, and Gatelink are considered.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Effect of Space Weather on Autonomous Vehicle Navigation2020-01-01404/14/2020
Autonomous vehicle systems integrate multiple information systems. Navigation is reliant on Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as the global positioning systems (GPS) which are supported by a satellite network. However, satellites and radio signals are subject to interference from sunspots. Sunspots happen on regular cycles at varying strengths but their occurrence can’t be exactly predicted. The likelihood of a severe solar event is roughly twelve percent per decade; consequently, solar events are likely to impair navigation. Results will show the probability of each event and its impact on autonomous vehicle navigation. In the worst case scenario, satellites could even be permanently damaged by severe sunspots. As autonomous vehicles become a more significant portion of the economy, it is necessary that they have resilience to operate in extreme conditions. Alternative navigation procedures are proposed to enhance the resiliency of autonomous vehicles. Artificial intelligence related to place identification with relative geographic navigation and storage of most common routes is an option.
Hoback, Alan
Atoms Can Receive Common Communications SignalsTBMG-359862/1/2020
A new type of sensor was developed that uses atoms to receive commonly used communications signals. Cesium atoms were used to receive digital bits (1s and 0s) in the most common communications format used in cellphones, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. In this format, called phase shifting or phase modulation, radio signals or other electromagnetic waves are shifted relative to one another over time. The information (or data) is encoded in this modulation. The method works across a wide range of frequencies.
A New Network Design for the “Internet from Space”20AERP02_062/1/2020
Satellites do not yet play a major role in the world's Internet infrastructure; however, this may soon change. Within the next decade, a new generation of satellites could lay the foundations for an “Internet from space,” according to Ankit Singla, a professor at ETH Zurich's Network Design & Architecture Lab. His team is investigating how to improve the performance of large-scale computer networks including the Internet. Exploiting advances in cost-cutting technologies in the space sector, the new satellite systems would use thousands of satellites instead of the tens of satellites used in past systems. These satellites could then be linked to each other via laser light to form a network. The coverage provided by these satellites would reach remote regions that currently have no or very limited access to the Internet, since they are not connected or are only poorly connected to the intercontinental fiber optic cables that power today's Internet.
A New Network Design for the “Internet from Space”TBMG-360662/1/2020
Satellites do not yet play a major role in the world’s Internet infrastructure; however, this may soon change. Within the next decade, a new generation of satellites could lay the foundations for an “Internet from space,” according to Ankit Singla, a professor at ETH Zurich’s Network Design & Architecture Lab. His team is investigating how to improve the performance of large-scale computer networks including the Internet.
SECOND GENERATION AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIRCRAFT INSTALLATION PROVISIONSARINC761-6 (Current)12/23/2019
This ARINC Standard defines the installation characteristics of second generation L-band satellite communication systems. It provides the traditional form, fit, function, and interfaces for the installation of satcom equipment for use in all types of aircraft. Description of avionics equipment (e.g., Satellite Data Unit (SDU), Antennas, etc.) are included. Supplement 6 adds references to new Diplexer/Low Noise Amplifiers (DLNAs) defined in Supplement 8 to ARINC Characteristic 781: Mark 3 Aviation Satellite Communication Systems. The five new DLNAs are intended to protect Inmarsat Classic Aero and SwiftBroadband (SBB) satcom equipment from ground-based cellular sources, such as cellular Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATCt). The DLNAs are categorized by desired features and service (e.g., new DLNA versus drop-in replacement, LTE and/or ATCt protection, Classic Aero and/or SBB service).
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS PART 1 AIRCRAFT INSTALLATION PROVISIONSARINC741P1-15 (Current)12/23/2019
This ARINC Standard defines the installation characteristics of first generation L-band satellite communication systems. It provides the traditional form, fit, function, and interfaces for the installation of satcom equipment for use in all types of aircraft. Description of avionics equipment (e.g., Satellite Data Unit (SDU), Antennas, etc.) are included. Supplement 15 adds references to new Diplexer/Low Noise Amplifiers (DLNAs) defined in Supplement 8 to ARINC Characteristic 781: Mark 3 Aviation Satellite Communication Systems. The five new DLNAs are intended to protect Inmarsat Classic Aero and SwiftBroadband (SBB) satcom equipment from ground-based cellular sources, such as cellular Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATCt). The DLNAs are categorized by desired features and service (e.g., new DLNA versus drop-in replacement, LTE and/or ATCt protection, Classic Aero and/or SBB service).
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
De-Orbit Device for SmallSatsTBMG-3570212/1/2019
To decrease de-orbit time and allow for higher-altitude orbits of small satellites, researchers at NASA and the University of Florida have developed a retractable drag device capable of modulating drag area while providing 3-axis stabilization. The device increases area without increasing mass, increasing the ability to control rotation and attitude in 12U, 15-kg CubeSats and other small satellites.
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT UNIT (CMU) MARK 2ARINC758-4 (Current)11/26/2019
This ARINC Standard specifies the ARINC 758 Mark 2 Communications Management Unit (CMU) as an on-board message router capable of managing various datalink networks and services available to the aircraft. Supplement 4 adds Ethernet interfaces, per ARINC Specification 664 Part 2. This will allow the CMU to communicate with IP based radio transceivers (e.g., L-Band Satellite Communication Systems (Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (SBB) and Iridium Certus), ACARS over IP, AeroMACS, etc.).
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
MARK I AVIATION KU-BAND AND KA-BAND SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM PART 1 PHYSICAL INSTALLATION AND AIRCRAFT INTERFACESARINC791P1-3 (Current)9/19/2019
This standard sets forth the desired characteristics of Aviation Ku-band Satellite Communication (Satcom) and Ka-band Satcom Systems intended for installation in all types of commercial air transport aircraft. The intent of this characteristic is to provide guidance on the interfaces, form, fit, and function of the systems. This document also describes the desired operational capability of the equipment needed to provide a broadband transport link that can be used for data, video, and voice communications typically used for passenger communications and/or entertainment. The systems described in this characteristic are not qualified, at this writing, for aviation safety functions.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Laser-Pointing System Transmits Data from Tiny SatellitesTBMG-351549/1/2019
Since 1998, almost 2,000 shoebox-sized satellites known as CubeSats have been launched into space. Due to their small frame and the fact that they can be made from off-the-shelf parts, CubeSats are significantly more affordable to build and launch than traditional satellites that cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
WHAT WE'RE DRIVING19AUTP09_089/1/2019
As the sporting player in Volvo's C-segment sedan lineup, this all-wheel drive, turbocharged-and-supercharged R-Design S60 faces benchmark competition in the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In pure performance, the stylish Swede stacks up nicely against the Germans: Its 316 hp (236 kW) pushes the 3,900 lb (1769 kg) car plus my 200-lb (91 kg) of dead weight from a standstill to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.5 s, according to my stopwatch. Dynamically, the S60 T6 (not my choice of nomenclature, as it's a 4-cyl., not a six) feels solid and secure, if not exceptionally nimble, when pushed hard in the corners. But where the S60 R-Design clearly beats the others is inside, the area where Volvo shows its taillamps to the other premium brands. The S60's cabin is a beautifully integrated blend of rich materials and tasteful accents - brushed aluminum of the lower IP contrasting with deep ebony, offset by delightful-to-touch control knobs. The front seats are both handsome and comfortable. Rear-seat legroom is excellent, as my 37-in. (940-mm) inseam can attest.
NASA Eyes GPS at the Moon for Artemis MissionsTBMG-351119/1/2019
The Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite-based navigation system used by an estimated four billion people worldwide to figure out where they are on Earth at any moment, could be used to pilot in and around lunar orbit during future Artemis missions to the Moon.
Tactical Communications SystemTBMG-348738/1/2019
Spectra Group Tysons, VA 202-818-8429
The Teletenna — a Hybrid Telescope Antenna SystemTBMG-341784/1/2019
Innovators at NASA’s Glenn Research Center have developed a hybrid telescope antenna system — Teletenna — to deliver high-data-rate communication over great distances. Teletenna has the potential to benefit deep space missions and communications on Earth. By combining two very different communications systems — optics and radio frequency (RF) — Teletenna capitalizes on the benefits of each system while overcoming conflicting engineering requirements.
A New Approach to Satellite CommunicationsTBMG-341274/1/2019
In the Heinrich Hertz satellite mission, which will be launched in 2020, the DLR Space Administration (German Aerospace Center) plans to develop and operate a German communications satellite. The chief objective of the mission is the scientific validation and testing of payload technologies in space.
Signal Combiner for Wideband CommunicationTBMG-341684/1/2019
NASA’s Glenn Research Center has devised an efficient new method of combining primary and secondary signals with minimal loss and noise. With its ability to reduce system noise, this novel signal combiner delivers the best opportunity to receive a desired signal not easily distinguished from background noise.
Aerospace & Defense Technology: April 201919AERP044/1/2019
An Integrated Framework for Complex Radar System Design Thermoplastic Composites to Play Enhanced Role in Next-Generation Aerospace Applications Using Ruggedized Test Equipment to Solve Jet Engine Problems How FMC Developments Support Legacy and Next-Gen Data Needs XPONENTIAL 2019 - An AUVSI Experience Understanding the 'Black Art' of RF and Microwave Switching A New Approach to Satellite Communications Modular Biosensor Patch Identifying new biomarkers to help monitor cognition and stress in the human body could enhance human performance. Characterization of Bore Temperatures and Stresses in Small Caliber Gun Barrels Data gathered from physical testing will be compared to analytical methods used to assess barrel wall temperature profiles and barrel wall stress and strain. Simulation of Active Imaging Systems Better data could lead to systems that improve tactical target acquisition, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. Deep Installation Method for Three-Component Seismic Sensors Standardized procedure for installing seismic sensors in a soil environment will allow non-experts to execute successfully with minimal training.
Text Tech: Navy Vessels Use Shipboard Signal Lamps for Text MessagingTBMG-338933/1/2019
Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) TechSolutions program, the Flashing Light to Text Converter (FLTC) features a camera that can be mounted atop a signal lamp to receive Morse code bursts from another lamp within view. A hand-held device or laptop computer is connected to this camera to display text messages sent and received.
Self-Stabilizing, Distributed, Symmetric, Fault-Tolerant SynchronizationTBMG-339233/1/2019
Distributed systems have become an integral part of safety-critical computing applications, necessitating system designs that incorporate complex fault-tolerant resource management functions to provide globally coordinated operations with ultra-reliability. As a result, robust clock synchronization has become a required fundamental component of fault-tolerant, safety-critical distributed systems. Since physical oscillators are inherently imperfect, local clocks of nodes of a distributed system, driven by these oscillators, do not keep perfect time and can drift with respect to real time and one another. Thus, the local clocks of the nodes must periodically be re-synchronized. As a result, a fault-tolerant system needs a clock synchronization algorithm that tolerates imprecise local clocks and faulty behavior by some processes.
Challenges in Ultra-Wide Band Worldwide Radio Homologation2019-26-01601/9/2019
Ultra-Wide Band has found increasing use case in Indoor and Outdoor location tracking systems. An interesting application of UWB lies in preventing vehicle thefts that use relay attacks on conventional passive entry passive start electronic systems. Due to very large bandwidth ranging from 3 GHz to 10 GHz in case of UWB, the worldwide radio homologation authorities are challenged to come out with appropriate test and approval processes to limit the growing interference and ensure unified and compatible systems throughout the globe. Having worked on global RF regulatory approval processes for over five years in Short Range Devices (SRD) namely for Car Access and Passive Entry (CAPE) products, the authors have gained important insights about the peculiar needs of the industry, regulatory bodies and test laboratories. The paper discusses challenges faced by the authors while working with global and national regulatory agencies of multiple countries in terms of available standard, test infrastructure, interpretation of regulations, validity of homologation certificates in a way to guide new Tier-1 suppliers as well as OEMs. The viewpoint is that of a product developer than that of a regulatory body. There is no comprehensive literature that exists as guidance for emerging suppliers wishing to sell their RF products globally. This paper shall serve as easy to use reference and concise guidelines to develop and sell RF products globally whilst meeting the challenging UWB radio homologation requirements.
Gambhir, Ameya, Ethape, Srushti, Rebello, Agnetta
SECOND-GENERATION KU-BAND AND KA-BAND SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMARINC792 (Current)12/19/2018
This standard sets forth the desired characteristics of a second-generation aviation Ku-band and Ka-band satellite communication (satcom) system intended for installation in all types of aircraft.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
LOW-EARTH ORBITING AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSARINC771-1 (Current)10/1/2018
This document sets forth the desired characteristics of the Iridium Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO) Aviation Satellite Communication (Satcom) System avionics intended for installation in all types of aircraft including commercial transport, business, and general aviation aircraft. The intent of this document is to provide a description of the system components, aircraft interfaces, and satellite communication functions. It also describes the desired system performance and operational capability of the equipment.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Space Debris Orbit and Attitude Prediction for Enhanced and Efficient Space Situational AwarenessTBMG-3302510/1/2018
This research deals with the problem of modelling the orbit and attitude motion of uncontrolled manmade objects in orbit about the Earth, which tumble due to the natural influences of the near-Earth space environment. A mathematical, physics-based and computational approach is taken to model the forces and torques that drive the orbit and attitude evolution of such objects. The main influence modelled is solar radiation pressure (SRP), which is the interaction of solar electromagnetic radiation with the surface of an object, leading to both forces and torques that influence the orbital and attitude motion. Other influences, such as the gravitational field of the Earth, are also modelled.
Enhanced SATCOMs for Unmanned Aerial SystemsTBMG-329049/1/2018
Satellites launched with the purpose of relaying communications have been enabling around-the-globe transmissions of information for half a century. And in this current era of hybrid warfare, that means this decades-old hardware needs to be able to manage the command and control of unmanned aircraft.
Location Awareness Algorithm for Internet of Things DevicesTBMG-325198/1/2018
Positioning of wireless devices is centralized, depending on “anchors” with known locations such as cell towers or GPS satellites to communicate directly with each device. As the number of devices increases, anchors must be installed at higher density. Centralized positioning can become unwieldy as the number of items to track grows significantly.
Cup Cylindrical Waveguide AntennaTBMG-287084/1/2018
NASA Glenn’s cup cylindrical waveguide antenna (CCWA) is a short backfire microwave antenna capable of simultaneously supporting the transmission or reception of two distinct signals having opposite circular polarizations. Short backfire antennas are widely used in mobile satellite communications, tracking, telemetry, and wireless local area networks because of their compactness and excellent radiation characteristics.
Secure Optical Quantum CommunicationsTBMG-287304/1/2018
NASA’s Glenn Research Center has developed a method of using entangled-photon pairs to produce highly secure mobile communications that require mere milliwatts of power. Conventional gas Argon-ion laser sources are too large, expensive, and power-intensive to use in portable applications. By contrast, Glenn’s patented optical quantum communication method produces entangled-photon pairs approximately a million times more efficiently than conventional sources, in a system that is small and light enough to be portable. Furthermore, because this method transmits digital information by detecting small temporal shifts between entangled photons, its superior signal-to-noise ratio facilitates highly secure communications in very noisy free space and fiber-optic environments. Originally developed for micro-robots used for deep space exploration, this technology represents a breakthrough for a wide variety of terrestrial, scientific, military, and other field-deployable applications including fiberoptic and satellite communications.
Method and Associated Apparatus for Capturing, Servicing, and De-Orbiting Earth Satellites Using RoboticsTBMG-287274/1/2018
Engineers at Goddard Space Flight Center have overcome limitations plaguing the satellite sector since its inception through the development of a robotic system allowing for the autonomous capture and servicing of in-orbit satellites. By enabling spacecraft to identify, pursue, and attach to a target satellite, this innovation will make possible satellite inspection, repairing, refueling, and upgrading. The major benefits provided by this technology will be of great interest to the commercial satellite sector.
MARK 3 AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSARINC781-7 (Current)8/9/2017
This document sets forth the desired characteristics of an aviation satellite communication (Satcom) system intended for installation in all types of commercial transport and business aircraft. The intent of this document is to provide general and specific guidance on the form factor and pin assignments for the installation of the avionics primarily for airline use. It also describes the desired operational capability of the equipment to provide data and voice communications, as well as additional standards necessary to ensure interchangeability. This Characteristic specifies equipment using Inmarsat satellites operating in L-band. Ku-band and Ka-band equipment is specified in ARINC Characteristic 791.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Digital Beamforming InterferometryTBMG-270246/1/2017
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a new radar approach that uses a single phased array antenna and a single-pass configuration to generate interferograms, known as Digital Beamforming Interferometry. A digital beamforming radar system allows the implementation of nonconventional radar techniques, known as Digital Beamforming Synthetic Aperture Radar Multimode Operation (DBSAR).
GPS Satellite Geometry Analysis Tool (GPSGEM)TBMG-268805/1/2017
The purpose of the GPS Satellite Geometry Analysis Tool (GPSGEM) is to evaluate GPS satellite geometry for a given Earth-fixed location or for a provided trajectory. The tool will generate a listing of all satellites in view, the best satellite combination defined by the most optimum Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP), the GDOP profile expected if all satellites are available, and the worst-case GDOP profile when one or two satellites are removed from the available constellation. The tool will provide the navigation controller with insight into the expected performance of the GPS constellation, and allow an assessment of the implications to onboard navigation performance for the ascent, orbit, abort, and entry phases of flight.
Cellular Reflectarray Antenna and Method of Making SameTBMG-268625/1/2017
NASA's Glenn Research Center invites companies to license a new concept design for terrestrial satellite dishes and communications systems. The Cellular Reflectarray Antenna (CRA) has been developed and tested for use with next-generation Ka-band satellites, although it can be used with all bands of satellite communication. The design's flat, planar configuration all but eliminates the wind-loading problems associated with larger parabolic reflectors for dish systems. The technology also offers unique features that provide ease of installation and improved signal reception, while deterring piracy and theft of subscription satellite services.
Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Game Phase IIITBMG-261681/1/2017
The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program is responsible for providing communications and navigation services to spaceflight missions located throughout the solar system. Astronauts, mission controllers, and scientists depend upon the reliable transmission of information between Earth and spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) or deep space.
Space Optical Communications Using Laser BeamsTBMG-253649/1/2016
NASA has developed a new technology for space optical communications, including communications from the Earth to spacecraft in Earth orbit and in deep space, such as at the Moon and Mars. The innovation changes the architecture of space optical communications so that a new laser beam pointing technology is used to improve optical data transmissions from spacecraft. This technology will detect a signal laser beam and then return a modulated laser beam to the ground terminal or other transmitter station in a new way. This new design can replace current methods that either use a laser together with a pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) procedure in the spacecraft, or a powerful ground-based laser with a retro-reflector in the spacecraft.
Rice Crop Models Stabilize Global Markets and Enable Efficient IrrigationTBMG-254149/1/2016
When global food prices spiked dramatically in late 2007 and into 2008, with the costs of many basic dietary staples doubling or even tripling, protests and riots upset much of the developing world. Following the price spike, world leaders gathered to figure out how to foresee and avert such market instabilities in the future, and a major product of those meetings was the Group on Earth Observations’ Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) initiative, carried out by a partnership of governments and international organizations in the G20 nations. The initiative relies primarily on satellite Earth-imaging data to improve projections of crop production and weather forecasting.
LOW-EARTH ORBITING AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMARINC771 (Current)8/5/2016
This document sets forth the desired characteristics of the Iridium Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO) Aviation Satellite Communication (Satcom) System avionics intended for installation in all types of aircraft including commercial transport, business, and general aviation aircraft. The intent of this document is to provide a description of the system components, aircraft interface, and satellite communication functions. It also describes the desired system performance and operational capability of the equipment. This characteristic specifies equipment using the next generation of Iridium satellites (referred to as Iridium NEXT) operating in L band with planned launch starting in 2016 and completed network by end of 2017. The services used on the NEXT network are referred to as Iridium CertusSM. The Iridium NEXT satellite network replaces the Iridium legacy satellite network known as Block 1.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Foldable and Deployable Power Collection SystemTBMG-249467/1/2016
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is developing a lightweight space-based solar power array with a high power-to-stowed-volume and weight ratio. The system provides power to small satellites and CubeSats that are power starved, operating on extremely limited power because of the size restrictions for housing onboard power sources. The beauty of NASA’s new solar unit is in its simplicity and packaged power density. Small satellites cannot take advantage of deployable high-efficiency solar cell arrays due to their complexity and mechanical needs; the weight and volume requirements exceed what is available in small satellites and CubeSats. The new system, for example, is compact enough to provide a 3U CubeSat with ~200 Watts, or a 6U with 500 Watts of power. NASA is developing the technology and is looking for partners to license and commercialize it.
Clamoring for a connection16MEIP03_103/1/2016
Many of today's constantly connected consumers balk at spending a few hours without Web access. Commercials airlines are responding by forging links with satellite providers that give flyers the same capabilities they have on the ground. Increasing bandwidth is one of the focal points for inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems. “High throughput satellites (HTS) are going to be launched in early 2016, which will make exponentially more capacity available,” said Panasonic Avionics Corp. spokesman Brian Bardwell. “Layering these HTS spot beams over our existing wide-beam network ensures both global coverage and the greatest throughput. Our wide-beam network today covers 99.6% of all commercial flight hours, offering up to 50 Mbps. HTS capacity that will bring 200 Mbps, as well as extremely high throughput capacity, that will bring up to 3.3 Gbps in certain regions.”
Costlow, Terry
Spacecraft Parameter Database ToolTBMG-241163/1/2016
The GOES-R Program has requirements to maintain knowledge of the GOES-R satellite onboard memory contents, including managing general satellite operations tables; processor memory dumps for memory verification; creating command loads, memory (table) loads, and command sequences to operate the satellite; verifying stored command and memory (table) loads; and to provide for operator-initiated memory dumps from satellite processors. The principal limitation is the tie to specific spacecraft architecture.
Eliminating the Need for Payload-Specific Coupled Loads Analyses Without Mission RiskTBMG-241173/1/2016
Amore efficient structural verification process for small satellites has been demonstrated. This new process eliminates the need for payload-specific coupled loads analysis (CLA) and simplifies structural testing while not increasing mission risk. The process entails the following:
SCaN Optical Link Assessment Tool Version 2TBMG-241263/1/2016
In response to the requirements of the Space-Based Relay Study (SBRS) undertaken by NASA in 2013, as well as the Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC) project being conducted by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) beginning in 2012, a calculation procedure was required to rapidly assess the operation of optical communication links originating from within deep space (in particular, from around Mars in the case of iROC), as well as within the near-Earth scenarios of LEO and GEO (in the case of SBRS). Such an assessment included the specification of the design components of the optical system to achieve reliable communications as prescribed by one or several metrics that indicate overall system operation. Additionally, it was also desired to be able to dynamically evaluate such optical link operation as the satellite/earth orbital positions evolve during the mission lifetime.
Disturbance-Free, High-Resolution Imaging from SpaceTBMG-241223/1/2016
All imaging systems from space are affected by disturbances originating in the spacecraft in the form of mechanical noise from thruster and reaction/momentum wheels, and sensor noise. A drag-free system is truly unaffected by any disturbances, as it is in pure freefall. Hence, leveraging drag-free technology can provide a quantum leap in improvement for spaceborne imaging systems.
SCaN Optical Link Budget ToolTBMG-2347912/1/2015
In response to the requirements of the Space-Based Relay Study (SBRS) undertaken by NASA in 2013, as well as the Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC) project being conducted by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) beginning in 2012, a calculation procedure was required to rapidly assess the operation of optical communication links originating from within deep space (in particular, from around Mars in the case of iROC), as well as within the near-Earth scenarios of LEO (low-Earth orbit) and GEO (geostationary Earth orbit) in the case of SBRS. Such an assessment included the specification of the design components of the optical system to achieve reliable communications as prescribed by one or several metrics that indicate overall system operation.
Space Network Access System (SNAS)TBMG-2348712/1/2015
SNAS is a single, universally accessible, standards-based, full-featured customer interface for performing Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) planning, scheduling, and real-time service monitoring and control. It consolidates functionality of multiple legacy customer interface systems into a single system, and is the primary access system for managing TDRSS resources.
NASA AppTBMG-2348912/1/2015
The NASA App showcases a huge collection of the latest NASA content in a mobile optimized format, including images, videos on-demand, NASA Television, mission information, news and feature stories, tweets, ISS sighting opportunities, satellite tracking, Third Rock Radio, featured educational content, and much more for iOS and Android devices.
GRAVITE DistributionTBMG-2321711/1/2015
Government Resource for Algorithm Verification, Independent Test, and Evaluation (GRAVITE) system is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) system, developed and deployed by Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Ground Project to support Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val), Data Quality Monitoring, and Algorithm Investigation, Tuning and Integration. GRAVITE enables novice and expert users to discover and obtain data easily by using standard protocols. GRAVITE version 3.0 (GV3.0) distribution system is a major upgrade to the GRAVITE version 2.0 (GV2.0) distribution tools. GV2.0 enabled users to easily define dynamic searches, which unfortunately resulted in slowing down the operational database, as no back-end validation was performed.
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