Flight Opportunities
Programmable Ultra Lightweight System Adaptable Radio (PULSAR) Flight Testing
Project Description
Programmable Ultra Lightweight System Adaptable Radio (PULSAR) technology revolutionizes satellite transponder technology by increasing data through-put capability by, at least, an order of magnitude. PULSAR leverages existing Marshall Space Flight Center Software Defined Radio (SDR) designs and commercially enhanced capabilities to provide a path to a radiation tolerant SDR transponder. This provides high capability, low cost, transponders to programs of all sizes. The final project outcome would be the introduction of a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 low-cost CubeSat to SmallSat telemetry system into the NASA Portfolio. The requested sounding rocket flight will achieve TRL 7.
Paper at 2013 Smallsat Conference More »
Paper at 2013 Smallsat Conference More »
Anticipated Benefits
NASA's strategic need for smaller, low-cost transponder packages is large and will continue to grow with the CubeSat and small satellite demand ever-increasing. This technology, a high-efficiency, high-throughput transponder at the S and X Band frequencies for use in small satellites, sounding rockets and balloon flights, will improve performance at a significantly lower cost than is commercially available, thus benefitting future NASA missions and other government agencies.
More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
Suggest an Edit
Recommend changes and additions to this project record.