Prototype Design for NASA SpaceCube Intelligent Multi-Purpose System for Enabling Remote Sensing, Communication, and Navigation (SpaceCube IMPS)

This prototype SpaceCube IMPS (Intelligent Multi-Purpose System) system is modular and has been reconfigured in this research effort to support the Space Test Program – Houston 9 (STP-H9) SpaceCube Edge Node Intelligent Collaboration (SCENIC) Experiment. STP-H9/SCENIC is an ISS-based (International Space Station-based) testbed to evaluate and validate artificial intelligence/machine learning technology on FPGA and custom AI microchip platforms in space. The experiment is a collaboration between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, and Aerospace Corporation. The design features several cards following the NASA CubeSat Card Specification (CS2) allowing mission developers to rapidly construct high-performance processing payloads with cards in the card catalog for remote sensing, communication, and navigation applications. 

The purpose of the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program is to support new technology development and to address scientific challenges.  Each year, Principal Investigators (PIs) submit IRAD proposals and compete for funding for their development projects.  Goddard’s IRAD program supports eight Lines of Business: Astrophysics; Communications and Navigation; Cross-Cutting Technology and Capabilities; Earth Science; Heliophysics; Planetary Science; Science Small Satellites Technology; and Suborbital Platforms and Range Services.

Task progress is evaluated twice a year at the Mid-term IRAD review and the end of the year. When the funding period has ended, the PIs compete again for IRAD funding or seek new sources of development and research funding, or agree to external partnerships and collaborations.  In some cases, when the development work has reached the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level, the product is integrated into an actual NASA mission or used to support other government agencies. The technology may also be licensed out to the industry.

The completion of a project does not necessarily indicate that the development work has stopped.  The work could potentially continue in the future as a follow-on IRAD; or be used in collaboration or partnership with Academia, Industry, and other Government Agencies.

If you are interested in partnering with NASA, see the TechPort Partnerships documentation available on the TechPort Help tab. http://techport.nasa.gov/help