Flight Opportunities
Initial Flight Test of a Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) Transmitter Prototype for Commercial Space Transportation Using a High-Altitude Balloon
Project Description
Testing complete. Work continues under T0061.
To support the periodic launch of reusable launch vehicles, some sanitization of the airspace must occur to ensure that the area around the launch and landing sites are clear of air traffic. One of the major concerns is the uncertainty of the vehicle’s descent path, especially while flying under parachute. This project aims to evaluate a prototype UAT-based (Universal Access Transceiver) ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transponder developed to support commercial space transportation. A UAT-based ADS-B receiver will provide the same capabilities that an ADS-B receiver provides for manned space flight. It broadcasts to ground-based and airborne receivers the current altitude and position of the vehicle once per second. It is anticipated that the developed prototype will become a standard payload on any flight of reusable launch vehicles once it has been proven robust and reliable. More »
To support the periodic launch of reusable launch vehicles, some sanitization of the airspace must occur to ensure that the area around the launch and landing sites are clear of air traffic. One of the major concerns is the uncertainty of the vehicle’s descent path, especially while flying under parachute. This project aims to evaluate a prototype UAT-based (Universal Access Transceiver) ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transponder developed to support commercial space transportation. A UAT-based ADS-B receiver will provide the same capabilities that an ADS-B receiver provides for manned space flight. It broadcasts to ground-based and airborne receivers the current altitude and position of the vehicle once per second. It is anticipated that the developed prototype will become a standard payload on any flight of reusable launch vehicles once it has been proven robust and reliable. More »
Anticipated Benefits
The objective of the proposed flight opportunity is to create a path through empirical analysis to mature the UBR-ERAU prototype toward a design that can be utilized by NASA, FAA, and commercial space transportation providers such as Virgin Galactic to support asset tracking and better airspace integration.
More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Lead Organization | Academia | Prescott, Arizona |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Supporting Organization | Academia | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Supporting Organization | Academia | Daytona Beach, Florida |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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Florida
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