Communication, Navigation, and Networking reConfigurable Testbed (CoNNeCT): An International Space Station National Lab Ann P. Over Project Manager NASA Glenn Research Center August 2010

Software Defined Radio: Computer Analogy Hardware with Fixed Functionality Hardware + Operating Environment + “Apps” (“Waveforms”)

3 Digital Electronics (Baseband processor) Transmitter/Receiver (RF) Power Amplifier Power Supply Software Defined Radio “101” Low Noise Amplifier

Why CoNNeCT? ISS NATIONAL LAB VALIDATING KEY COMMUNICATIONS, NETWORKING & NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGIES –SDR performance (reliability, space effects) –Reconfigurable on-orbit (e.g. Data rate, signal format, functions) –More capability in Ka-band (26 GHz) –Led by NASA, available to all: government, industry, and academia for in-orbit experimentation –Announcement of Opportunity for new experiments in early FY11 SDR STANDARD “STRS” FOR ALL USERS DEMONSTRATE FUTURE MISSION CAPABILITIES –High Data rate communications, on-board networking/routing, GPS/nav –Validate performance in-orbit to reduce mission risk STRS=Space Telecommunications Radio System

CoNNeCT Mission Description Launch: JAXA H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-3) in 2012 (movie) Carrier: –Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism (FRAM)-based payload –Installed on Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (ExPRESS) Logistics Carrier (ELC) at the ISS P3 location –Transferred and installed to the ELC via Extravehicular Robotics (EVR) Operate for a minimum of two years. 5

CoNNeCT Operations

Flight System Overview Flight enclosure mounted on ISS hardware provides mechanical and thermal control Flight Computer/Avionics Communication System –SW Defined Radios (3) JPL S-band with GPS GD S-band Harris Ka-band –Antennas (5)/RF 2 S-band Low gain 1 L-band GPS 1 S-band Medium gain 1 Ka-band High gain with TWTA –Antenna pointing system Gimbal Control computer 7

Conclusions CoNNeCT will demonstrate advanced communications, networking, and navigation capability using software defined radios – Enabling new exploration and discovery Broad participation by government, industry, and academia through experiments program CoNNeCT helps NASA achieve National Space Policy Goals (released June 28, 2010)

CoNNeCT Contacts Ann P. Over, Project Manager Glenn Research Center Richard Reinhart, Principle Investigator Glenn Research Center