NASA Space Communication & Navigation Architecture: NASA Space Communication & Navigation Architecture John Rush NASA Headquarters Washington, D.C. National Spectrum Managers Association 17 May 2006


Discussion Items: Discussion Items Background Space Communication Architecture RF Links / Architecture Components Interoperability Potential Summary


Background: Background NASA Space Communication Office established a NASA-wide Space Communication Architecture Working Group (SCAWG) in February 2004 SCAWG Tasked to develop a space communication architecture that will provide communication & navigation services to all NASA Science and Exploration missions through the 2030 time frame The SCAWG completed its top level space communication architecture on 17 March 2006


Earth, Moon & Mars Emphasis: Earth, Moon & Mars Emphasis Earth Operations Continuing Earth Observation & Space Science Missions International Space Station (ISS) Space Shuttle through 2010 Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) starting before 2010 ISS re-supply vehicles Lunar Exploration Robotic Phase Human Sortie Phase Human Outpost Mars Exploration Robotic Phase Prepare for Human Exploration (post 2030 time frame)


Some Important Desired Features: Some Important Desired Features Interoperable Provide communication and navigation services to wide range of users Scalable Allow capability adjustments in small increments Adaptable Capable of changing capability to meet changes in mission needs Reliable Meets robust communication support requirements for human space flight Minimize User Burden Minimize Power, Mass, Volume burden on user spacecraft


Slide6: Earth Local Network Martian Local Network Lunar Local Network Martian Trunk Lunar Trunk L1/L2 Individual Spacecraft Connections FUTURE: Top Level Conceptual Communication Architecture ~2030


Earth-based Network Focus Areas: Earth-based Network Focus Areas Continuation of Earth Relay Satellite Capability Continuation of Deep Space Large Aperture Antenna Capability Space-based Range Capability


Lunar Network Focus: Lunar Network Focus Lunar Local Network Lunar Trunk Provide Communication Coverage for Far Side / Limb area Operations


Mars Network Focus: Mars Network Focus Martian Local Network Martian Trunk Mars Relay Satellites High Data Rate Communications More Connections


Deep Space Communication Focus: Deep Space Communication Focus Earth Local Network L1/L2 Individual Spacecraft Connections Higher Data Rates More Connections


Overall Architecture : Overall Architecture Earth-based Antenna Element Lunar Relay Satellite Element Earth-based Relay Satellite Element Mars Relay Satellite Element Spectrum Framework Network Architecture Navigation Architecture ELEMENT ARCHITECTURES CROSSCUTTING ARCHITECTURE


Slide12: Ground-Based Earth Element 2006 2030 Earth Polar, LEO, GEO missions, and ELV Gradual decommission of large aperture DSN antennas Build-up of downlink antenna arrays supporting missions above GEO Downlink arrays in steady state for missions support Missions Antennas


Slide13: Guam Near Earth Relay Element


Slide14: Lunar Relay Element


Slide15: Robotic Exploration Human Exploration MGS ODY MRO First Human Landing MSTO Phase 1 Mars Relay Architecture: Science/Telecom Hybrid Relay Orbiters Standardized relay payload flown on each planned science orbiter Cost-effective strategy to grow Mars Relay infrastructure Increased data return and imrpoved energy-efficiency relative to direct-to-Earth communications Orbit characteristics constrained by primary science mission goals Spacecraft design and consumables for long extended relay ops Scout AFL Network Landers Sample Return MER PHX MSL Scout Phase 2 Mars Relay Architecture: Dedicated Telesats Redundant, continuous coverage of human landing site Higher-performance access link and trunk line capabilites to meet human era comm/nav rqmts ... Mars Areostationary Relay Satellites Software defined relay radio represents key architectural building block Supports evolution of comm protocols over orbiter lifetime Enables infusion of new capabilities in response to emerging technologies (e.g., improved coding) Allows flexible response to unanticipated mission needs ... Detailed Phase 2 orbit design will be responsive to human mission design and detailed comm/nav requirements; areostationary option shown for reference Mars Relay Element (Evolves with Missions)


Slide16: Network Architecture End-to-End IP-like (leverage Internet but modified for Space) “Off-Ramp” Concept Provides Mission Flexibility Standard Set “Policy Driven” Network built on spectrum foundation


Spectrum Framework : Spectrum Framework Foundation of NASA RF Communication and Navigation Services to Future Missions Focused on Lunar and Martian Exploration Programs Provides Each Mission 2 “Channels”: Robust Link Designed for TT&C High Rate Mission Data Link Allows Missions to Implement In-band Commanding / Low Rate Mission Data Options


Slide18: Lunar Operational Data Bands Far Side Orbiter Using Lunar Relay With Cross Link and Near Side Orbiter Using Direct to/from Earth Link Lunar relay Lander Crewed Vehicle


Slide19: Lunar Mission Data Bands Far Side Orbiter Using Lunar Relay With Cross Link and Near Side Orbiter Using Direct to/from Earth Link 40-40.5 GHz 37-38 GHz 22.55—23.55 GHz* 25.5—27GHz Mission Data 40-40.5 GHz 37-38 GHz 22.55-23.55 GHz 25.5-27 GHz *Requires a new SRS allocation for Earth-to-space Crewed Vehicle Lander Lunar Relay


Slide20: Mars Operational Data Bands Showing Direct to/from Earth 2025-2030 7145-7190 MHz 8400-8450 MHz 7145-7190 MHz 8400-8450 MHz Operational Data Mars Lander Crewed vehicle


Slide21: Mars Operational Data Bands Showing Use of Both Mars Relay and Direct to/from Earth 2025-2030 7145-7190 MHz 8400-8450 MHz 7145-7190 MHz 8400-8450 MHz Operational Data Forward Link Near 7145-7190 MHz Return Link Near 8400-8450 MHz No cross link band identified at this time for Mars relay and may not be required. Relay may use storage and forward when Earth is visible. Mars Lander Mars Relay


Slide22: Mars Mission Data Bands Showing Use of Both Mars Relay and Direct to/from Earth 2025-2030 40-40.5 GHz 37-37.5 GHz Mission Data 34.2-34.7 GHz 31.8-32.3 GHz No cross link band identified at this time for Mars relay and may not be required. Relay may use storage and forward when Earth is visible. Forward Link Near 34.2-34.7 GHz Return Link Near 31.8-32.3 GHz Mars Relay Mars Lander Crewed Vehicle


Space Communication Architecture Designed for Potential Interoperability: Earth Network Lunar Orbital Network Lunar Surface User Network Spectrum - Prelimary plan developed Protocols - IP- like Network Management – Policy driven Lunar Base Rendering by Pat Rawlings Interoperable “Plug-and-Play” Communications Network Space Communication Architecture Designed for Potential Interoperability


Summary: Summary NASA has developed a space communication architecture that will provide service to our science and human exploration programs for the future A key consideration has been to include the options for potential future interoperability with other space agencies operating in the lunar or Martian regions We believe that agreement on a spectrum plan for the Moon and Mars is the foundation upon which this interoperability option must be built


BACKUP: BACKUP


Top Communication Requirements: Top Communication Requirements Provide bidirectional comms to all human & robotic space missions across the solar system addressing all mission phases Provide relay comms to support orbiting & surface users for the Earth, Moon, & Mars Provide direct comms to support near Earth & deep space users Provide seamless integration of space comm networks with terrestrial comm networks Comply with NASA Spectrum Policy in use of S, X, Ku & Ka bands Required Downlink Capacity


Top Navigation Requirements: Top Navigation Requirements Provide nav services from Earth to selected locations at the farthest outer planet distances Provide nav services for all mission phases from concept development through end of mission Provide radiometric tracking Provide one-way radiometric ranging with GNSS interoperability Augment real time navigation on the mission S/C: entry, descent and landing; ascent; rendezvous; docking & berthing; & formation flying Standardize time dissemination using a common time scale to missions across the solar system Key Navigation Performance Requirements


Slide28: Inter Element Interfacebbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Communication Element User Interface Earth-based Ground Antennas Lunar Surface / Orbital User Earth Orbital User Earth-based Ground Antennas Mars Surface / Orbital User Lunar Relay Satellite Mars Relay Satellite Earth Relay Satellite Launch Vehicles TT&C 2025-2110 MHz 2200-2290 MHz Mission Data 22.55-23.55 GHz* 25.5-27 GHz 2200-2290 MHz TT&C 2025-2110 MHz TT&C 2025-2110 MHz 2200-2290 MHz Mission Data 22.55-23.55 GHz* 25.5-27 GHz TT&C 7145-7190 MHz 8400-8450 MHz Mission Data 34.2-34.7 GHz, 40-40.5 GHz TT&C 8400-8450 MHz 7145-7190 MHz Mission Data 34.2-34.7 GHz, 40-40.5 GHz 2200-2290 MHZ emergency telemetry 2025-2110 MHz emergency commanding 40-40.5 GHz Mission Data 13.4-14.05 GHz 14.6-15.205 GHz 13.4-14.05 GHz TT&C 14.6-15.205 GHz (2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz for TT&C emergency) 37-38 GHz 31.8-32.3 GHz, 37-37.5 GHz 31.8-32.3 GHz,37-37.5 GHz * Requires new SRS (E-s) allocation in ITU TT&C and Mission Data


Slide29: Inter Element Interface Communication Element User Interface Earth-based Dedicated Ground Antenna Earth Relay Satellite Earth Relay Satellite Orbital User Mission Data TT&C TT&C Mission Data 13.4-14.05 GHz TT&C and Mission Data 14.6-15.205 GHz 13.4-14.05 GHz (in-band telemetry) 14.6-15.205 GHz (in-band commanding) 2025-2110 MHz 2200-2290 MHz 22.55-23.55 GHz 25.25-27.5 GHz Intra-System Interface Earth Relay 2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz used for emergency 59-65 GHz 54.25-58.2 GHz Launch Vehicles TT&C Mission Data 2025-2110 MHz 2200-2290 MHz 22.55-23.55 GHz 25.25-27.5 GHz


Lunar Relay: Inter Element Interface Communication Element User Interface Earth-based Ground Antennas Lunar Relay Satellite Surface User Lunar Relay Satellite Orbital User TT&C TT&C Mission Data Mission Data TT&C and Mission Data 2025-2110 MHz 2200-2290 MHz 22.55-23.55 GHz 25.5-27 GHz 2025-2110 MHz 2200-2290 MHz 22.55-23.55 GHz 25.5-27 GHz Intra-System Interface Lunar Relay 37.5-38 GHz 2200-2290 MHZ emergency telemetry 2025-2110 MHz emergency commanding 40-40.5 GHz 37-38 GHz TT&C and Mission Data 40-40.5 GHz


Slide31: Inter Element Interface Communication Element User Interface Earth-based Ground Antenna Mars Relay Satellite Surface User Mars Relay Satellite Orbital User Mission Data TT&C TT&C TT&C Mission Data Mission Data 7145-7190 MHz Mission Data TT&C 8400-8450 MHz 31.8-32.3 GHz 435-450 MHz 390-405 MHz Intra-System Interface Spectrum for Mars Relay ( Early robotic phase 2010-2025) Bands not identified 34.2-34.7 GHz 435-450 MHz 390-405 MHz Near 7145-7190 MHz Near 8400-8450 MHz Near 7145-7190 MHz Near 8400-8450 MHz


Slide32: Inter Element Interface Communication Element User Interface Earth-based Ground Antenna Mars Relay Satellite Surface User Mars Relay Satellite Orbital User Mission Data TT&C TT&C TT&C Mission Data Mission Data 7145-7190 MHz Mission Data TT&C 8400-8450 MHz 40-40.5 GHz 435-450 MHz 390-405 MHz Near 31.8-32.3 GHz Near 34.2-34.7 GHz Near 31.8-32.3 GHz Near 34.2-34.7 GHz Intra-System Interface Spectrum for Mars Relay ( 2025-2030 Manned Exploration Phase) Bands not identified 37-37.5 GHz Near 7145-7190 MHz Near 8400-4450 MHz 435-450 MHz 390-405 MHz Near 7145-7190 MHz Near 8400-4450 MHz