Overview of the Communications and Intelligent Systems

NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE

Dr. Félix A. Miranda

Deputy Chief, Communications and Intelligent Systems Division

NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH 44135

[email protected]

Tel: 216.433.6589

The Distinguished Radar Lecture Series, November 8, 2019

Advanced Radar Research Center

The University of Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma, 73072

Overview of the Communications and Intelligent Systems Division at the

NASA Glenn Research Center

1


NASA’s plans for advancing aeronautics and space exploration requires optimization of

current capabilities and development of new ones to support its mission. A key requirement

associated with these efforts is the constant upgrading and optimization of communication

systems. This presentation will provide a brief overview of NASA efforts, with emphasis on

those being performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center, to develop communications

technologies and systems in support of NASA aerospace communications needs. Status of

specific technology examples in the area of cognitive communication systems, Advanced

RF Technologies, Networks, and Systems Architectures will be presented and their impact in

the overall scheme of needs will be discussed. In addition, cross- cutting technologies

which enable sensing, control and communications technologies to perform in extreme

environments as well as non-destructive evaluations techniques for vehicle health

monitoring and related purposes will be presented.

Abstract

2


The NASA John H. Glenn Research Center

Lewis Field (Cleveland)

• 350 acres

• 1514 civil servants and 1,528 contractors

• 84 Pathways Interns (not included above)

Plum Brook Station (Sandusky)

• 6500 acres

• 21 civil servants and 105 contractors

50 miles Apart 3

NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE 4

Communications and Intelligent Systems Division (LC)

Education

PhD MS BS

119 FTE, 39 WYE

FY19: 40 Summer Student & Summer Faculty

Extensive Laboratories (~60)New Aerospace Communication Facility:

Ground Breaking 2019

This building will be approximately 55,000 square feet in size

housing approximately thirty modern, state-of-the-art Radio

Frequency (RF) and optical communications, electronics, networks,

and signal processing laboratories.


Division Chief: Dawn C. Emerson Deputy Chief: Dr. Felix A. Miranda

Communications ST: Dr. Robert R. Romanofsky

Systems Architectures and Analytical Secure Networks1 System Integration Studies Branch and Test Branch

LCA/Richard C. Reinhart LCN/Robert E. Jones

Intelligent Control and Autonomy O~tics and Photonics Branch Branch LCP/Dr. Margaret Nazario

LCC/Kevin J. Melcher Smart Sensing and Electronics

Advanced High Freguency Branch Systems Branch

• • • LCF/Dr. James A. Nessel LCS/Diana Centeno-Gomez

Cognitive Signal Processing Branch LCI/Gene Fujikawa



LC Competency Elements:

Space Communications (SpaceComm) & Aeronautical

Communications (AeroComm)

Expertise:

• Architecture Definition & Analysis

• Network Research

• Comm System Integration & Test

• Signal Processing & Cognition

• Advanced High Frequency Components & Systems

• Optical Communications

Intelligent Systems – Cross-Cutting Competencies

Expertise:

• Optics and Photonics

• Smart Sensor Systems

• Instrumentation- Electronic

• Controls- Dynamic System Modeling and Controls

Perform and direct research and engineering in the competency fields of advanced communications and

intelligent systems with emphasis on advanced technologies, architecture definition & system development

for application in current and future aeronautics and space systems.

LC Support to NASA Mission Directorates

ARMD39%

ESMD4%

SCMD10%

SOMD38%

SSMS8%

STMD1%

FTE YTD Avg

5


GRC Communications and Navigation Competency OverviewCommunications Research, Advanced Technology Development, and Systems Engineering

Major Focus Areas: Advanced RF and Electromagnetic Systems, Cognitive Communications, Networks & Architectures,

Optical/Quantum Communications, Hybrid RF/Optical Systems, and Extreme Environment Communications

Portfolio• Research and discipline engineering covers a broad range of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-7)• Support provided to all Mission Directorates: Space (SCaN/HEOMD, SMD, STMD), and ARMD• Sample Research Activities include: Wideband Phased Array Antenna Systems; High Data Rate Architectures (HiDRA) communication

systems; Cognitive Communications (including development of cognitive algorithms, radios, and antennas); Real Time Optical Ground Receivers; Quantum Communications/Quantum Key Distribution; Hybrid RF/Optical Systems; Communications Through Hypersonic Plasma; Over the Horizon Lunar Surface communications.

• GRC host the NASA Spectrum Management Office

Facilities/Unique Capabilities• New Aerospace Communication Facility (ACF) will consolidate ~ 40 existing comm labs into one building, groundbreaking scheduled FY20• Antenna Ranges/Multiple Access Testbed for Research in Innovative Communications System (MATRICS) – Dynamic System Emulation• Communication, Navigation, & Surveillance Testbed – including Cleveland Hopkins Airport Test Facilities• GND Terminals & Control Centers: Cognitive Algorithms Demonstration Testbed (CADeT); Ka-band and S-band GND Station; fixed and

portable terminals for aeronautical and space experiments, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the National Air Space Control Center• Harsh Environment Capabilities: Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER); High-temperature electronics test platforms and clean rooms

(SiC), Cryo-electronics platforms & instrumentation, plasma chambers• Extensive communication architecture, system, sub-system, module, and component modeling and simulation tool

6


LEOGEO

7


Optics and

Photonics

Systems Architectures

& Analytical Studies

Cognitive Signal Processing

Intelligent Control

and Autonomy

Advanced High

FrequencySmart Sensing and

Electronics Systems

Communications System Architectures

Analytical System Studies – M&S

Spectrum Analysis

Extreme Environment Sensors & Electronics

Electro-Optical Sensing

Thin Film Physical Sensors

Radio Systems – SDRs,

Signal Processing and Cognition

Position, Navigation & Timing

Intelligent Controls

Dynamic Modeling

Health Management

Secure Networks, System

Integration and Test Branch

Network Research/Security

System Integration/Test/Demo

Optical Communications/Quantum Comm

Hyperspectral Imaging

Optical Instrumentation- Flow Diagnostics

Health Monitoring

Antennas Design and Metrology

Propagation

RF Systems and Components

3-D Electromagnetic Modeling


Future Aerospace Communication Architecture to Meet Mission Needs

Desired Attributes: • Interoperable• Autonomous• Predictive• Reconfigurable• Networked• Resilient• Reliable• Extensible• Ultra Wideband• High Date Rates• Delay Tolerant• Affordable

Introduction of “New Entrant Vehicles” will dramatically

change the National Air Space (NAS).

Reliable Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance

systems are critical for safe integration of vehicles in the

NASNext Generation Space and Aero CNS Infrastructure is Very Complex. GRC Technologies and

Communications Systems Engineering Capabilities are Key Enablers

Cognitive Communications

Advanced RF Technologies

Network Research

Architecture Definition, Analysis & Test

Complex system of communication networks

support near-Earth and deep space missions

Ref: Jim Schier, HQ SCaN

Aero Space,.,,,

Lunar Network

Lunar Relay

HLO -----~ --------·

Near Rectilinear .•• }\ Proximity Orbit (NRO) ./ :' : \ Links

c ·:::> ::'( l --.·>· ... Exploratio~,: '.,

Habit,?.:/ .• ~ ,

: ~ ~,r ' Solence/

_./R~lay Orbiter

LLO

Benefits of Planetary Networks:

Earth Network Mars Network

Mars Relay

• Reduced mission burden with short links for in-system communications• enables in-system telerobotics • Common architecture reduces technology & development costs • Reuse of HW & SW: Family of products includes variants for different environments • Reuse of spectrum

LMO


Signal Processing and

Cognitive Communications


Roadmap to Cognitive Began by Advancing Software Defined Radios (SDRs)

GRC developed the SCaN Testbed (STB) – Installed on the ISS

2012-2019

Technology Demonstration Mission to mature Communication,

Navigation, & Networking technologies for application in space

Partnered with 25 organizations and successfully demonstrated

many new Comm, Nav, & Networking techniques

3 SDRs – adds great flexibility to systems

successfully demonstrated reconfiguration of radios 888

times – dispelling perception that “reconfiguration poses

significant mission risk”

SCaN Testbed paved the way for NASA’s Cognitive

Communication Project

Key Goal – Infuse cognitive technologies into

systems to improve performance, reliability,

efficiency, & resilience, while decreasing

operator/user burden


SCaN Testbed Technology Commercialization Highlight

NASA GRC and Harris were inducted into the Space Foundation’s Space

Technology Hall of Fame for the Ka-band SDR in March 2019.

– NASA and Harris developed the SDR in a 50/50 cost-share partnership

SCaN Testbed SDR evolved into a reconfigurable multi-mission payload

called Harris AppSTAR™ and has been deployed on a variety of

satellites:

– Hosted platform for the Iridium NEXT satellites for Aireon’s Automatic

Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) payload, the world’s first space-

based global air traffic surveillance service

– Payload that enables the world’s lowest-latency ship tracking service,

exactEarth’s exactViewRT,

“The Space Technology Hall of Fame was created in 1988 to recognize life-changing technologies emerging from global space programs; honor the scientists, engineers and

innovators responsible; and communicate to the public the importance of these technologies as a return on investment in space exploration.”

https://www.spacefoundation.org/what-we-do/space-technology-hall-fame

11


Path to Cognitive Communications Systems

Cognitive System Technologies

System-Wide Optimization & Scheduling

Cognitive Routing & Networking

Node-to-Node Link OptimizationEnhanced

Algorithms, Radios,Processors, and

Devices (Antenna)

Cognitive Signal Processing


Network Research

Quantum Communications

System Architecture

GRC

Communications

disciplines

combine to

enable cognitive

systems

System State Awareness

Environmental Awareness

Analyze Predict

Decide Adapt

Learn

12

Cognitive Applications

3 Adaptive

Coded Modulation

Variable Coded

Modulation



13

Adaptive coding and modulation with cognitive engines • Choose opt:irnal settings by

predict:ing channel condit:ions • Elirninat:e the need for

calculating precise link budgets

Self-configuration of radio by modulation recognition of signal • Perform signal recognition

that: al/01Ns selfconfiguration and link acquisition even 1Nit:h noise or vveak signal

Cognitive compensation for propagation and nonlinear channel effects • Classify overall channel degradation by it:s component: effect:s and

rnitigate each one appropriately

- Learned communicat:ion channel optimizat:ion {DeepSig)

interference mitigation • Automatically sense and

avoid spectrurn int:erference by changing frequency,, bandvvidth,, and data rat:e

• Cognitive engines to identify and remove interference

Optimal hand-off between Optical and RF links

- lnt:egrat:e FSO and RF seamlessly t:o form a unified transport:



Autonomously selected best link to optimize performance (data rate, latency)

N~ ~A . ' J ·' . . .

. -·coGNITIVE NET.WQR:K's · _- .. ,:- :-·~ ,-- -~ . - . . . . ~. . . . ·• - . . . . . . . . . .

. . . ·. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cross-layer optimization and discovery of network devices • Aut:onornously assign Qualit:y of Service rnet:rics t:o user

dat:a

• Discover capabilit:ies of user radios on SCaN net:\Nork

Drop user spacecraft data at any space or ground asset • lrnprove net:\Nork rnanagernent: and responsiveness

• Elirninat:e t:he need for reserving specific asset:s for

cust:orners

Delay and disruption tolerance (DTN) over multiple hops • Apply CE t:o det:errnine t:he opt:irnal rout:e t:hrough a

space net:\Nork \Nit:h infrequent: or dist:ant: nodes

Network security for integration of commercial providers • To prot:ect: user dat:a and provide flexibilit:y \Nhen using

t:hird-part:y t:ransport: services



Determine optimum link configuration• Configuration to target link, network performance, past

performance, priority, & data urgency.

How much time?Operations Center

Which Satellite?

Enable user spacecraft to request high-rate data services…to allow SCaN services to be scheduled in near real-time

Distributed Cognition• Network configurations based on

priority, throughput, asset availability, schedule, and performance

Decisions

Schedule Requests

QoS Reports

Link Configuratio

n

Asset

Utilization

Mission Database

Schedule Predictions

Flight demo – August 2017

17 service requests granted and executed

Over 200 minutes of service autonomously executed

Scheduled with as little as 15 minutes lead time

instead of 3 weeks.

II,!; - • iii _..

' ._, -_,,.,., . ·~~·~

: ·. -~ .•~ ·-: . ; ,. . . . . ... . . ": ...

.. ::.:d_ ... . · ·. --~-. ·._-·_ --- ~ ~ : . . . ·,:, --. . . : ,.

' _... •· .. • - ,... . "!" .-: . --~~ . .,, · .. ;

; ;

;

·· .. · : .. . ·• . . . . . .


Node-to-Node Link Optimization

Autonomously reconfigured radio operating parameters to

compensate for dynamic link environment

Demonstrated increase in data throughput – Efficient

Spectrum Utilization


Take Away Points

Autonomously selected best link to optimize

performance (e.g., data rate, latency)

Autonomously scheduled and executed

communication services considerably reducing

lead time for services (e.g., from 3 weeks to 15

minutes)

Cognitive Links

Cognitive Networks

Cognitive Systems:

User Initiated Services



Future Communications Infrastructure Requires Interoperability

Future communication systems require interoperabilitybetween Government and Commercial satellite networks

TDRSSTracking Beams

Commercial GEOTracking Beams

DoD Tracking Beams

Commercial MEOTracking Beams

Commercial LEOMulti-Beam ESAs

Commercial GEOSpot Beams

NASA Owned

International

Partners and

Government

Assets

CommercialService Providers (CSPs)

GRC technologies will address key challenges:

• Wide frequency range of operations

• Large trade space of architectures with varying capabilities

• Mix of open standard and provider-specific proprietary waveforms

• Unique networking protocols across individual CSPs – seamless

hand-offs

I I Wideband Program Technology Gaps Wideband Ka-Band Universal Terminal

NASA Service Provider (TORS or NGCI - -. • .

• • • • .

. • • • • . . . . .

• User

Spacecraft

NASA Standard

Waveform

Commercial Service Providers (CSPs)

. . •

·• .: W~"ttform - NASA TORS/NGC

W~veform -CSPs

OoO Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)

Waveform • . . . . . . . • . • .

Key Technology Gaps Use of commercial Ka relay services in space

User Tx: User Rx:

25.5 - 31.0

17.8-23.6

Low Cost Wideband Phased Arra

Flexible Wideband Front End

Common SOR hosting NASA, Commercial, OoO Waveforms with FMI

Long Term Objective/Capability: Develop a iklsi.12.k. space user terminal which can support roaming capability across NASA. Commercial. and DoD relay services at Ka-band. Based an J. Schier: "SA TCOM Architecture Interoperability Options"

]


UAS in the NAS

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)

N~~A . ·. ' .J ·.·

National Aeronautics and N -~ ' ~~, Space Administ ration ~ -~·-· .•- ..

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System (NAS) Project

..,. ~ -, -

Cooperative aircraft -1': . ,. · <::!

., -# . <I'~

Sense and Avoid

~ ~ ~ ~

Small UAS (sUAS) Mission Support Technologies

;::::-

UAS ground control station

UAS vehic~e autonomy

Command and Control

LEGENO --Sense and Avoid (SANDAA Technologies)

Air Traffic Services Control and Nonpayload Communications (CNPC) Network

-- Legacy Command and Control (C2) Links

ACRONYMS ADS-S: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast DAA: Detect and Avoid T"•S-11: Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System TRA<,u... -'oal Radar Approach Control Facility

l ,,.,.- _. - . n " ~ ~~--- -- t ,

--~ , - . - ~ . I -----· ~ Air. traffic·servici!s...·, e,

- - - (TRACONs)'e, ' ..._ UAS Restricted-Use Certifi~afi_f)n~ __ --- -

,v ,,., -.i,_. ,,,. -.i.,,v -.i., . ii -~~-., ~ .. ~ Precision agriculture

www.nasa.gov __ , ... ~_


Reliable and Secure Communications for Urban Air Mobility


N~~A ' ' J.·

Buildin Blocks .. ~ / - :,&L

"' • Antennas ' . •

• Radio •

• Network • -:.

• ,,..

~ • ---- .. • ' i· • -. ,.

.-.. ...

Tech no lo Needs

Low SWa . .e Hardware • Wideband/Agile Hardware • Cognitive Systems • V2V Communications • Sense and Avoid • Big Data •

.__ • ' , .

/(' ·•

- ................. ···········-··············· ... Q

! I

Communications is an Enabling Technology

- •-. ..1=. ... . .-- .. ~- ~ - ~ - - .

--.,., .... ---~ -. . . - .;:_;~ .. - •·: - - - .-- ·

uirements

Interference Mitigation

Interoperable Networks Efficient Spectrum Utilization

High Data Throughput Low Latency Links Anti Spoofing

Secure Networks

-.. ... '\.,-~.,,:~ ,, - . !- · ......

::: - "-7 ~~ :r-~ --~~ - . -~


RF Technologies

Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)

(Circa 2004-2009)

GRC Advanced Ka- and

Q-Band Ground Terminals

(Circa 2014)

(Ongoing)

Ultrawide band antennas

WISM demonstrates 8-40 GHz operation

(Nuvotronics, Inc.) Outer dimensions of the antenna

are 71.1mm by 71.1mm, although the PolyStrata®

portion is 38.1mm on a side.

Teletenna for iROC

CLAS-ACT 4 Element Sub-Array Antenna

on Aerogel Substrate in Test Range:

CIF SS under Test

Switched Array

360° Az, 30° El Coverage

3D Printed Antennas For

SmallSat & UAS applications

Collaborative effort with UTEP, UNM, and COSMIAC

Kymeta Antenna in Cylindrical Near Field Range

Receiver at University of Alaska

Fairbanks (UAF)

GPS L5 Phased Array developed for

the Terrain Imaging

21

Antenna Metrowgy Facilities

• Far Fisld Range • Near FUld Range • Compact Range • Near Fisld Cyli11drical Range • Antenna N ear Field Planar Scanner

Aerospace Communications Facility (ACF) (expected in pince circa 2021)

-·-1 .a-- .- - -a---·. - -

-~ ~ ~ ... ~6' ..

ZIii C

Large Aperture Antennas

BB2.5 Radomc Antenna

--- - ,. ~ ~ -~-~--..., .. [. - - . ~

+--

Co11/ormal Lightweight Antenna Structures for A eronautical Communicatio11 Tech11ologies (CLAS-ACT):

Goal: Develop conformal aerogel antenna element and subarray to reduce SWaP in UAV SatComm Systems

Aerogel Antennas


Advanced Antenna Technology

Traditional Reflector Antenna

•High performance

•Large mass/volume

•Heavy Mechanical gimbal

•Fixed Radiation Pattern

22

Traditional Phased Array

•High performance

•Large mass/volume (7.5 lbs)

•Electronic steering

•Flexible Radiation Pattern

•High cost, long lead (custom IC’s)

Phased Arrays are now a viable low cost and low SWaP solution

Phased Array with Silicon IC’s

•High performance

•Low mass/volume (1 lb)

•Electronic steering

•Flexible Radiation Pattern

•Lower cost, lead time (COTS IC’s)

Why phased arrays and why now

NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)

Advanced Antenna Technology

USER 1@ Freq 1

USER 2@ Freq 2

JAMMER/INTERFERER

USER 3@ Freq 1

USER 4@ Freq 1

Cognitive Antennas Conformal Aerogel Antenna Array

Environmentally perceptive

antenna that can dynamically

adjust:

Beam Direction

Beamwidth

Number of Beams

Power

Frequency & Bandwidth

Wideband - Operates over NASA,

Commercial, DoD Frequencies

Detects and mitigates Interference

Graceful Degradation

Intelligence shared between

antenna and radio

Optimize spectral, spatial, &

temporal resources

Low SWaP – enable Beyond

Line of Sight SATCOM

Command and Control for

smaller UAS

Conformal Design – Reduces

Drag

Electronic Beamforming-

Minimize Interference with

Ground Stations

Fast Beam Steering-

Cooperative Flying

Spatial Sensing of Environment

– Informs Cognition

Cognitive Radio

23

....

TU NABLE RADIATORS

FREQUEN CY

CONVERSION/

AMPLIFICATION

DIGITIZATION

....


Phased Array Antenna for both Radar and Communications

Radar Application

• Detection

• Two-way channel: R4

• Reflected path causes

low Rx signal

• Capacity based on power

and dwell time

• Target Resolution

• Scanning search volume

• Disadvantaged/mobile

users

Communications Application

• Estimation

• One-Way channel: R2/R3

• Long path range causes low

Rx signal

• Capacity based on power and

bandwidth

• Interference Mitigation

• Pointing acquisition and

tracking of mobile users

• Disadvantaged/mobile users

Common needs Provided with Phased Array Antenna

---------------- Low noise Rx ------------

---------------- High Power Tx --------------

----------- Fast Electronic Steering ----------

--------------- Flexible Directive Beam -------

------------------ Low SWaP --------------------

https://www.portvision.com/news-events/press-releases-news/ais-vs-radar-vessel-tracking-optionsportvision

https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/05/04/airbus-study-support-satcomm-french-military/

https://www.portvision.com/news-events/press-releases-news/ais-vs-radar-vessel-tracking-optionsportvision

https://www.aviationtoday.com/2017/05/04/airbus-study-support-satcomm-french-military/


Atmospheric Propagation

Ground StationAntenna Size

System Temperature

SpacecraftAntenna Size

EIRP

Propagation ChannelRain Attenuation

Gaseous AbsorptionDepolarization

Free Space Loss

It is well understood that the largest uncertainty in Earth-space communications system design lies in the impact of the stochastic atmospheric channel on propagating electromagnetic waves.

Proper characterization of the atmosphere is necessary to mitigate risk and reduce lifetime costs through the optimal design of the space and ground segment.

As NASA continues to move towards Ka-band operations (currently) and millimeter wave/optical frequencies (future), the need for this data is becoming more and more evident and requested by system designers.

Primary Objectives of Propagation Data Collection: • To reduce mission risk and mission costs by

ensuring optimal design of SATCOM systems• To minimize loss of mission critical data

25


Atmospheric Propagation

Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN) 26

......... i~ ... . •J'-. , _ .. - , .. ,u ,___a&. • -··· ·•· .

Haleakala, HI • Optical Propagation • Cloud Attenuation

White Sands, NM • 20 GHz

• Gaseous Absorption • Rain Fade

• Phase

Fairbanks, AK • 20 GHz • Scintillation cnes • Rain Fade • Depolarl:z,atlon O N RA

• LowEJevation Angle• SkyTemperature ---:-:---

• Rain Fade • Gaseous Absorption

Sky Temperature

~ • .... ·- "'!I. .. ' .. ~,__ '. ~f

. - .....:-·· '~ ... • ~- -· , t_ -~~

: '

A I bu q u er q u e , NM \ 70/SOGHz

• Rain Fade • Depolarization

-----------GRC Testbed Cleveland, OH

Svalbard • 20 GHz • Gaseous Absorption ·

• Depolarization ! Rain Fade

• Low Elevation Ang.I -~s..,.•~-~d•-.111~ ~.,,

• Scintillation• .. · 'l!..,....JZ

Milan, Italy

1,6

HERIOT

-~~;~.:.1 Edinburgh, UK \.~ !! ., ~-

• 40GHz •~ ·~ ~ ,..~~_/

• Rain Fade , ·~ ·

• Low Elevation Ang\ . • _ :• •. ~: -

• 20/40 GHz • Sclntlllatlon • Rain Fade


Communications System-Level Emulation

The MATRICS(Multiple Access Testbed for Research in Innovative Communications Systems)

A hardware-in-the-loop testbed for emulation

of real-life conditions affecting future

aeronautics and space communications

architectures and technologies

Approach

Simulate realistic flight scenarios with various non-

ideal conditions

Scale communications links into an emulated

environment using prototype/flight antennas, radios,

or communications subsystems

Perform CONOPS, architecture trades, pre-flight

assessments, and hardware characterization for

NASA & commercial technologies.

Presently supports space-to-space dynamic link

emulation (e.g., EIRP, Propagation loss; Doppler effects;

Pointing loss; G/T for LEO passes; etc.)

In process of upgrading to support aerocomm dynamic

link emulations (e.g., Multipath; Propagation loss and

delay; Interference sources)

Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN)

Comm. Links

Multipath

Doppler

Interference

UAM Scenario

Channel

Emulator

Doppler

Propagation

27

•••••••• •••• •• •• •••• •• •• •••••• •• •• •• •• •• •••• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• (' " > •• .... . ......


RF/Optical Hybrid and Optical Technologies

28


Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC)

Key enabling technologies • Combined RF/optical Teletenna

• Precision beaconless pointing /navigation

through sensor fusion

• RF/optical Software Defined Radio (SDR)

• Networked RF/optical link management (DTN)

Combining RF & optical for minimal Size, Weight and Power (SWaP)

iROC Objectives: • Combine the best features of deep space RF and optical

communications elements into an integrated system:

• Increase data throughput while reducing spacecraft mass,

power and volume.

• Extensible to, and mitigates risk for missions from near

Earth to deep space.

• Prototype and demonstrate performance of key components

to increase TRL, leading to an integrated hybrid

communications system demonstration.

13

iROC Technology Demonstrator

Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD)-Space Communications and Navigation Office (SCaN) 29

··-x_ 'S9 · ~

ground receivers (RF & optical)

RF beam

optical beam

spacecraft transmitter

(RF & optical)

~- ., .

COMMUNICATIONS I INTELUGENT SYSTEMS OIYISION

NASA6LEMNRE5EA.RCHCENIEA


Real Time Optical Receiver (RealTOR)

30

Vision:

• Provide a COTS, portable, scalable, low cost

solution for optical communications photon

counting ground receivers, enabling greater data

return for scientists.

Objectives:

• Build, test, and demonstrate a ground Real Time

Optical Receiver (RealTOR) system for future

photon-counting receivers including the aft

optics (photonic lantern), single photon counting

detectors, and real time FPGA-based receiver.

• Deliver system to end user for future missions

Key Features:

• Compatible with CCSDS telemetry (downlink)

optical communications standard (high photon

efficiency)

• Ground receiver will initially be able to receive

the Orion 2 Optical (O2O) baseline waveform

(PPM 32, Rate 1/3, 80 Mbps), but will be

scalable up to 522 Mbps (near-term) and

ultimately orders of Gbps (longer-term) Transmitter and receiver rack

Light from back-end

telescope optics

*B.E. Vyhnalek, S.A. Tedder, E.J. Katz, J.M. Nappier, "Few mode fiber

coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for photon

efficient optical communications," Proc. SPIE 10910, Free-Space Laser

Communications XXXI, 109100D (22 February 2019);

doi:10.1117/12.2510958

*

: ~ I ~ ~ fl \ I '\)

• I ' .. ~ '" -~'

I Photonic Lantern I

Rea I Time Optical Receiver

Polarization Controller

COTS

SNSPD

Det ectors

Channel Combining Electronics

& ADC

FPGA-based

receiver

a: LJ.J

"'

10•

10 - 1

Bit Error Rate (BER) for PPM-32 , 40 Mbps

j J__- Capacity

- ---- - • Measured, CH l - - , - - _ A Measured. CH2

' ~ A - Sim . a,,,=60 ps (RMS)

--- Sim, a,,,=80 ps (RMS)

10-2

10-J

I

10-4 -t-----+-I-----H l+1 Ai•"=-------11-------l----_____j I I I I I I

10- 5 +-----+-L---f-----l~ ---l---------l------l - 20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15

Ks/M (d B)


Real Time Optical Receiver (RealTOR)

Free space to Fiber coupling:

• Photonic lantern (one multimode fiber input to many SMF or FMF outputs)

• Input fiber core size, number of outputs, and output fiber core size scalable to application

• In house prototyping capability

Single photon detectors:

• COTS Quantum Opus detectors, portable, rack-mounted

• Array of single-pixel detectors (scalable up to 32) sharing one cryostat

• Couple to SMF or FMF

• Continuous operation, Includes amplifier electronics, 60-80% efficient

FPGA-based Receiver:

• COTS Vadatech platform

• Transmit and receive compatible with CCSDS downlink optical waveform (high photon

efficiency)

• Firmware and software reprogrammable, well documented, and [will be] released for re-use

• Real Time processing

Portable, Scalable Real Time Optical Receiver Features

31


GRC quantum communication lab was established in 2001 The activity from 2001 to 2006 was focused on quantum

communications and sensing utilizing entangled photons• Single photon Bessel beam demonstrated• Multiple bits per photon transmitted utilizing Orbital Angular Momentum states

2005 - 2007 the research effort focused on quantum networks 2007 GRC investigated better quantum entangled photon sources

through the SBIR program 2009 a very promising SBIR began with ADVR inc. 2015 high intensity waveguide source of time / energy entangled

photons delivered 2016 to 2017, study high rate modulation for free space quantum

communications 2017 SBIR Phase I High intensity waveguide source of polarization

entangled photons awarded 2018 Quantum communications to aircraft project begins (CAS

ARMD) 2019 Roadmap/Strategic Plan

GRC Quantum Communications Research Activity

32


Technologies for Harsh Environment and Non-Destructive Evaluation

33


• Needs:

Operation In Harsh Environments

Range Of Physical And Chemical Measurements

Increase Durability, Decrease Thermal Shielding, Improve In-situ Operation

• Response: Unique Range Of Harsh Environment

Technology And Capabilities

Standard 500˚c Operation By Multiple Systems

Temperature, Pressure, Chemical Species, Wind Flow Available

High Temperature Electronics To Make Smart Systems

• Enable Expanded Mission Parameters/In-situ Measurements

• Long Lived High Temperature Electronics At 500˚CHarsh Environment

Packaging

(10,000 hours at 500˚C)

Range of Physical and Chemical

Sensors for Harsh Environments

High Temperature

Signal Processing and

Wireless

Moving Towards:

High Temperature

“Lick and Stick”

Systems

Long Lived In-Situ Surface

Explorer (LLISSE)

HARSH ENVIRONMENT ELECTRONICS AND SENSORS APPLICATIONS

34


Optical Instrumentation

BOS produced flow image shown with

QueSST CFD surface model

Develop, advance & implement optical flow and

surface diagnostic techniques

Simulate, Measure and Validate flight conditions that

“vehicles” are experiencing in test facilities

Optical techniques are everything!!


Key terms:

PSPs=Pressure Sensitive Paints

PIV=Particle Image Velocimetry

Background oriented schlieren

Key terms:

BOS=Background Oriented Schlieren

QueSST =Quiet Super Sonic Technology

CFD=Computational Fluid Dynamic

35

AdMalilced Qptical Metho,ds··and Enhanced --~-,,, ..

. Sensing

Surface

• PSPs • Fiber Bragg Gratings • Infrared Thermography

Advanced Schlieren

High Speed PIV Flow Angularity


Network Research


High Rate Science Data Transport to Optical Systems on ISSProviding a High-Speed Interface for the Payload Linking to the Laser Communication Relay DemonstratorN~~A

. ·. ' .J ·.·

Joint Station LAN

100Mbps

,El LinuxVM DTNlon

Ultrascale FPGA, 100 Gbps extensibility

DDR-4 and SSD

o Features simultaneous read and write capabUity o Supports the capability to store, carry and

forward 30 Tb of data daily

Gig-E

interface(.s)

Communication Channels

2.23 Gbps , ; ... - - - - - - -


Architecture Definition & Systems Engineering

Requirements & Standards

System Analysis & Emulation

Integration & Test

C0IWIIIICATI0IS I INTELUGENT SYSTEMS OMSION

NASA6LEMNRE5EA.RCHCENIEA


SCaN Future Architecture

SCaN Interplanetary Network

Breaking Ka Band Interoperability Barriers

Space Communications and Navigation Vision

GRC is facilitating the use of commercial services by:

• Leading industry architecture studies – 8 studies on-going

• Technology development and demonstration – wideband interoperability, high

data rate routing processing, cognition

Time to update both Near Earth and

Mars Relay satellite infrastructure Near Earth TDRS are nearing their

design lifetime…expected to retire

TDRSS by 2025 timeframe

Plan for NASA to use commercial

communications services for Near-

Earth space comm

Mars relays satellite (MRO)

expected to reach end of life in 2025

timeframe

Human exploration of the Moon and

Mars requires new/updated

communications infrastructureRef: Mr. Badri Younes, Deputy Associate Administrator for Space

Communications and Navigation (SCaN).


GRC Communications Systems Analysis

• GRC has extensive

communications and

navigation architecture and

system analysis capability

to quantify current and

future space

communication network

availability, throughput,

performance, and other

aspects.

• SCENIC provides initial

analysis of communication

architectures

100 j •n

X-Band with Tx - Antenna Diameter = (34m, l8m1 llmJ

- Tx Diameter• 34m - Tx Oiameter• 18m

11XJOOOOO

1000000

100000

10000

1000

1(1)

10

Tx Diameter• 1 lm

'"


Lunar Relay Architecture Analysis

• Concept using small satellites

provide continuous coverage of

south pole, complimenting

Gateway’s comm coverage

– S-Band low rate from lunar south

pole

– Ka-Band to Gateway or Earth

• Support Agency Lunar Gateway

mission requirements

• Provides Lunar and near lunar

comm & nav infrastructure

• Potential for related interplanetary

and deep space missions

41

Dual small satellite Lunar South Pole Coverage Concept

South pole Coverage

Small Sat Concept


Deep Space

Gateway (DSG)

Power &

Propulsion

Element (PPE)

Orion

Power & Propulsion Element (PPE)

PPE is the first element of

NASA’s Deep Space Gateway

Gateway will establish US

preeminence in cislunar space &

is central to advancing US

exploration goals

GRC leads the Power,

Propulsion (& Communications

element)

GRC is the Communications

Lead

Requirements Definition

Communication Systems

Analysis

Contract Oversight

PPE schedule launch 2022

NASA GRC • RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)

Dynamic Modeling, Control and Testing

43


Hybrid Gas Electric Propulsion (HGEP) Dynamic Modeling, Controls, and Testing

Alternative, Power, Propulsion, and Vehicle Architectures

NASA is conducting research on the development of transformative

propulsion systems that offer efficiency and emission reduction

benefits

We develop innovative tools and methods to enable system design

and evaluation

HGEP System Modeling and Controls Dynamic model of Single-Aisle Turboelectric Aircraft With Aft

Boundary Layer (STARC-ABL) partial turboelectric propulsion

concept developed

STARC-ABL baseline control system developed and shown to

provide acceptable performance throughout flight envelope

Facility Demonstrations Hardware-in-the-loop testing of STARC-ABL propulsion system

conducted at the NASA Electric Aircraft Tested (NEAT) facility− Simulated turbomachinery components integrated with actual motor,

generator, and power distribution hardware NASA Electrified Aircraft Testbed (NEAT)

STARC-ABL Turboelectric

Aircraft Concept

HGEP System Modeling and Controls

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) 44

r.,


System Health Management


Intelligent Control and Autonomy support for NASA Human

Exploration & Operations

Systems Engineering & Integration

Vehicle Management

Mission & Fault Management (M&FM)

ICAB Support

• Develop and test algorithms for BS TVC, CS TVC, EPS, SDQC

• Develop IVFM models & analyses to verify design compliance with fault mgmt. requirements.

Integrated Vehicle Failure Model (IVFM) – COTS software

used to model the propagation of failure modes through the

vehicle and its subsystems. The model is then used to support

verification of fault management requirements intended to

protect the crew and lead to mission success.

Space Launch System

SL

S B

loc

k 1

Mission & Fault Management (M&FM) Algorithms –

SysML-based tools are used to develop Mission and Fault

Management (non-GN&C) algorithms that manage nominal

and off-nominal vehicle operation from prelaunch through

disposal. Algorithms are verified using both analysis and

hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Sensor Data Qualification – Supports abort confirmation &

other higher-level M&FM algorithms by analyzing data from

flight critical sensors at the flight computer to determine if data

represents the true system state. Bad data is identified and

flagged so it is not used by other M&FM algorithms.

46

IVFM Subsystem Model

Sensor Data Qualification

M&FM Algorithm

BS TVC= Booster Thrust Vector Control; CS TVC = Core Stage Thrust

Vector Control; EPS = Electrical Power System; SDQC= Sensor Data

Qualification and Consolidation

···----1-;::.;-:::~ I ~::t~~- 1

cb..:.::.:--' ·:;.::...

' ;;·-·~1 ~·~-~

C0IWIIIICATI0IS I INTELUGENT SYSTEMS OMSION

NASA 6LEMNRE5EA.RCHCENIEA


Sensor Data Qualification and Consolidation

Real-time algorithms that process flight-critical sensor data prior to use for onboard vehicle control and decision-making.

Monitors and evaluates sensor data to detect faults and anomalies

Provides higher-level functions with Data Quality Indicators (DQI) that capture analysis results for each sensor.

Systematically reduces redundant sensor data streams that arise from hardware redundancies built into vehicle avionics.

Sensor Data Qualification and Consolidation

Rationale

Avionics hardware redundancies provide fault tolerant flight-critical sensor measurements

Redundant sensors measure the same physical property

Redundant avionics boxes process and digitize sensor signals

Redundant data busses transmit each sensor measurement on multiple data paths

Sensor Data Qualification needed to detect faults and anomalies anywhere along entire sensor data path

Sensor Data Consolidation needed to reduce the amount of redundant sensor data prior to use by higher-level decision-making functions

R1 R2 S1R3

Bus 1Bus 2

Bus 3

Hardware-Redundant Sensors Single Sensor

Avionics

Box 1

Avionics

Box 2

Sensor Data Consolidation

Data Quality Indicator (DQI)

ConsolidatedSensor Data

High-LevelFunction

High-LevelFunction

High-LevelFunctionRaw

Sensor Data

Dat

a P

re-p

roce

sso

r(C

alib

rati

on

& E

U C

on

vers

ion

)

w/ persistence Input Validation

Check

Sensor Data Qualification

w/ persistence Reasonableness

Checks

w/ persistence Redundancy

Checks

Down-SelectRedundant Data Paths

Consolidate HardwareRedundant Sensors

47

I I I ~• I

' .. 1 I I - I ~• ' I I I I • .. f-+ • • • ,. I I

• ... - ' ~

I I ... ~


Mission and Fault Management - Integrated Vehicle Failure Model (IVFM)

Model Definition

• Developed with a COTS software package and supported by internally developed software tools

• Developed at the element or subsystem level, then integrated into a system model.

• Abstract qualitative representation of the failure effect propagation within the system architecture

Design Information

Schematic

Failure Analysis Data

IVFM Analysis Support

• Flight Software and Ground

System Algorithm Evaluation

Map possible failure modes

that would be detected for

specified algorithm

• Assessment of Line-

Replaceable-Unit (LRU)

Requirements

Determine if candidate LRU

component meets detectability

and isolation requirements

Current system-level model

has 40,000 failure modes.

IVFM Subsystem Model

48

·---.. ·______ .,_

,::..::.::::::.. --·· :=..-.J:::==::.


SUMMARY

The GRC’s Communications and Intelligent Systems Division performs and directs research and

engineering in the competency fields of advanced communications and intelligent systems with

emphasis on advanced technologies, architecture definition & system development for

application in current and future aeronautics and space systems.

Research and discipline engineering covers a broad range of technology readiness levels (TRL).

We are open to joint collaborative efforts with Other Government Agencies (OGA), Industry, and

Academia.

Our Internship opportunities for both Students and Faculty have proven to be an effective tool in

fostering the aforementioned collaborations as a well as a pipe line for newly hired workforce.


Thank you very much for your attention !!

50

Documents

Overview of the Communications and Intelligent Systems