NASA Suborbital Science Technology Roadmap Payload and Communications Technology Working Group

1. NASA Suborbital Science Technology Roadmap Payload and Communications Technology Working Group September 11, 2007

2. Payload Accommodations – Technology Working Group Strategic Outcomes • Team Members • Don Sullivan (ARC) • Carl Sorensen (DFRC) • Jeff Myers (ARC) • Rose Dominguez (ARC) • Larry Freudinger (DFRC) • Joseph McBride (DFRC) Increase science return of airborne measurements Enable implementations of the sensor web Enable real-time analysis & payload directed flight Define requirements for onboard data reduction Provide common environments for payload portability and flexibility Technologies of Interest Schedule First Draft July 30, 2007 Final Draft August 31, 2007 • Standardized Navigation data capture • and distribution systems • Telemetry and communication interfaces • Extensible networks (on- and off-board) • Web Data Portal requirements • Instrument command & control • standards • Electrical interface standards • Common mechanical interfaces & • instrument portability • Standardized aircraft modifications • (ports, inlets, mounts etc.)

3. Six Goals 1) All sensors will be connected to an off-platform communications environment, via an on-board Ethernet backbone and a sat-com system, resulting in full connectivity to the payload. This will allow instrument teams to log into their systems, monitor engineering parameters, make configuration changes, and off-load science data. This will also enable various implementations of a distributed sensor web, with all of its ramifications. 2) A real-time feed of platform navigation, attitude, time, and state parameter data will be provided to the payload via the Ethernet network 3) A central on-board computer will be provided for real-time and near real-time sensor data reduction and science algorithms, coupled with shared mass storage for instrument data. This can also host autonomous sensor control software, and serve as a node for intelligent mission management functions. 4) Robust, duplex satellite communications links will be available on all major science platforms (with bandwidth scaled according to platform capabilities, payload requirements, and geographic operating locations.) A distributed system of web portal (or virtual “cluster” of portals) for payload communications, data exchange, mission planning, and status information. Payload-directed flight via internal algorithms driven by the sensor output, specifically for the science mission.

4. Airborne Science Program Payload and Communications Technology Roadmap Science holy grail Payload-directed flight Global over the horizon communication Robust satcom links Real-time platform data Platform sensors network mesh Real-time science System of sensors supervisor Goal statement:Science productivity enhancements via sensor webs, improved communication links and payload-driven flight Capability Imrpovement Scientists communicating with on-board instruments System of sensors networking Data communications center Distributed ground web portals Business as usual: Relatively modest improvements in science productivity 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013