This work will develop, test and demonstrate an end-to-end innovative, compact, efficient and low cost S-band uplink and X-band downlink CubeSat Communication System between a balloon and/or sounding rocket and a NEN ground system (Wallops Ground System (WGS) 11.28 meter system) to support current and future CubeSat communication needs. 3D EM simulations and STK with real and simulated gain patterns will be used to design this communication system. The outcome of this study will be used to pave the way of next generation NEN compatible X-band CubeSat communication system to support higher data rates with more advanced modulation and forward error correction (FEC) coding schemes and to support and attract new science missions at lower cost.
This research has three main objectives.
This X-band communication system will be NEN compatible and it will be used as a potential standard baseline for CubeSats throughout NASA, other government agencies and universities. This work will increase NASA CubeSat/SmallSat development capabilities. These capabilities will attract new science missions to consider the low cost option of using CubeSat/SmallSat platforms. Also, the proposed X-band communication system will be a test bed for new technology demonstration missions that will enable new mission classes or reduce the cost, schedules and risk of current NASA mission design methodologies.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
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Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
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University of Colorado Boulder | Academia | Boulder, Colorado |
Start: | 4 |
Current: | 5 |
Estimated End: | 8 |