SBIR Topic N02-062Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat Link

ODTML SERB.1

Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat LinkODTML – Concept

• OBJECTIVES:

– Develop next-generation communications relay microsatellite network system architecture

– Design, build one ODTML payload to demonstrate technology and ConOps

• DESCRIPTION

– Capabilities:

- Global access

- Higher bandwidth than Service Argos- > 50,000 bits per buoy per day

- < 0.1 joule per bit transmitted

- Position determination of ocean monitoring platforms (OMPs)

- Two-way delay-tolerant messaging (sensor-to-sensor, sensor-to-user)

– Elements of ODTML network system:

- Microsatellites ("routers in the sky")

- OMPs (e.g., Free-floating buoys)

- Ground stations

- The internet (communication conduit between the users and OMPs)

– Compatible with existing Service ARGOS

SBIR Topic N02-062Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat Link

ODTML SERB.2

Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat LinkODTML – Justification

• MILITARY RELEVANCE– Need cost-effective, near real-time,

higher-bandwidth, integrated, global communications relay system

- Outdated communications relay system for ocean-monitoring platforms (Service ARGOS)

- National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 104-201) Directs SECNAV To Fund/Establish Partnerships for New Facilities In Ocean Research and Sciences

– ODTML will enhance the U.S. Navy's ocean-monitoring capabilities

- Network of communications relays, enabling users to interrogate and task ocean-monitoring platforms

- Faster response time to a detected event

– DoD Applications:- Anti-submarine warfare- Surveillance, battlefield

awareness- Environmental monitoring

• NEED FOR SPACEFLIGHT– Ocean-wide, sustained “24/7”

coverage requires space-borne platforms

– Airborne platforms (e.g., P-3) operationally not viable

- Cannot provide ocean-wide network

- Cannot meet 24/7 availability in the long run (resources limited)

• COMPARISON TO ALTERNATIVES– Higher bandwidth/efficiency, more

capabilities than Service Argos, GOES

– Commercial “store-n-forward” satellites (HealthSat-2/UOSAT-12, and WavSat: no DoD application, no position determination)

– 2-way LEO satellites (ORBCOMM, Iridium – Freq. and EIRP Requirements Not Compatible With Power-Constrained Buoys

SBIR Topic N02-062Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat Link

ODTML SERB.3

Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat LinkODTML – Detailed Overview

• FLIGHT DATA

– Piggyback experiment to a free-flyer

- 725-800 km, circular orbit

- 98 10 inclination

– One flight required

– Min. 12-month duration(gathering of seasonal oceanic data)

– 0.2 m3, 50 kg max, 50 W

• STATUS

– Concept design review

• PRIORITY

– N/A

• RQUESTED STP SERVICES

– As “piggyback” experiment:

- Launch services

- Spacecraft/experiment integration

• EXPERIMENT FUNDING

– To-date: $100k concept study

– $750k being requested for design, development, and build of one “tabletop” demonstration unit

– * Estimated $1.5M needed for one flight unit

FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07

SBIRPhase I & II

$100kFunded

$400kPending

$350kPending

SBIRPhase III

$300k(*est.)

$800k(*est.)

$400k(*est.)

SBIR Topic N02-062Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat Link

ODTML SERB.4

Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat LinkODTML – Summary of Data Application

• Navy’s Naval Research Laboratory can use the data from this experiment to develop a 3- or 4-satellite ocean data telemetry communications relay system, which will provide global coverage for the Navy’s autonomous ocean-monitoring platforms (e.g., buoys).

• ODTML system will allow the Navy to acquire better tactical information on the oceanic environment where operations will take place – this will ensure increased operational effectiveness and success. It will also extend the Navy’s surveillance and remote-sensing capabilities. It may also serve as a backup UHF communications system to other DoD ComSat.

• The data analysis will be complete 18 months after the experiment is launched.

• Applicable category of this research: Advanced Technology Demonstration

A Possible Concept of Operations

SBIR Topic N02-062Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat Link

ODTML SERB.5

Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSat LinkODTML – Flight Mode Suitability

• ODTML demonstration model

– Can be launched as a free flyer or as piggyback payload (preferred) to a LEO satellite

• No need for flight hardware retrieval

Flight Mode % Experiment Objectives Satisfied

Shuttle 25% (short duration)

Shuttle Deployable 50% (design costs, complexity)

Shuttle Deployable with Propulsion 50% (design costs, complexity)

International Space Station 75% (limited fly-over coverage)

“Piggyback” Free-flyer on ELV 100%

Dedicated Free-flyer on ELV 100%