An X-ray Communication Flight Demonstration on STP-H6 (XCOM)
Project Introduction
The Space Technology Program Houston 6 (STP-H6) X-ray Communication (XCOM) technology demonstration will perform the first space-based demonstration of communication in the X-ray band, and it is a joint effort between the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The XCOM demonstration will take advantage of the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) mission, which is currently operating on the International Space Station (ISS), by using it as a one-way X-ray receiver, with the signal being transmitted through space over a range of approximately 50 m along the ISS truss.
More »Anticipated Benefits
Communication using X-rays could open the way for new applications, such as communication with hypersonic vehicles during Radio Frequency (RF) blackout caused by a plasma sheath, highly power efficient communications over long distances, and secure point-to-point communication over very short distances using very tight X-ray beams produced by coupling the X-ray output with diffraction-limited X-ray optics.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
| Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) | Supporting Organization | US Government | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mission Support Directorate (MSD) | NASA Mission Directorate |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
Project Library
Share this Project
Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Mission Support Directorate (MSD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD
Project Management
Program Manager:
Project Managers:
Principal Investigator:
Co-Investigators:
Project Duration
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 6 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 7 |
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX05 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TX05.5 Revolutionary Communications Technologies
- TX05.5.2 Quantum Communications
Target Destinations
