OK Space Geeks out there - the current shuttle mission (STS-107) is running an experiment called OMNI (Operating Missions as a Node on the Internet). Yep, the shuttle has an IP address! It's on an an embedded PC that has a 233 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM and a solid-state 144 MB hard drive running Red Hat Linux. Cool.
Low Power Transceiver
One of the FREESTAR experiments, the Low Power Transceiver (LPT) experiment is a low-power, lightweight software programmable transceiver prototype technology demonstration that is being developed by NASA as a low-cost S-band spacecraft navigation and communication device.
The LPT prototype receives Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite signals for spacecraft navigation support and provides both forward and return, low-rate data communications links to the Merritt Island (MILA) and Dryden Flight Research Facility (DFRC) ground stations and to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The experiment is designed to demonstrate the system’s ability to do simultaneous communications and navigation, as well as multi-mode communications and reconfiguration. LPT is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and sponsored by NASA/HQ Code M.
The LPT experiment consists of one thermally conductive box containing the electronics stack, three S-band antennas and one L-band antenna. The LPT payload uses general Orbiter services, including power control, command, and telemetry provided through the HHC avionics. On-orbit, the LPT payload will be primarily operated via direct communications between LPT and ground stations (MILA, WLPS, or DFRC) and/or TDRSS, with backup command and telemetry capability provided via the hitchhiker avionics and remote Payload Operations Control Center. During operations, LPT will utilize high Sband frequencies for communications.
The LPT TDRSS (and GN) forward link (uplink) frequency is 2106.40625 MHz and their TDRSS (and GN) return link (downlink) frequency is 2287.5 MHz (utilizing Left-handed Circular Polarization to work with the TDRSS MA system). Two standard switch panel switches will be utilized to prohibit inadvertent operation of the antenna. An additional inhibit will be provided through the HH avionics power relay to the LPT.
LPT
History/ Background
The paradigm of spacecraft design is changing throughout the space industry. Designs are requiring smaller, cheaper, and more capable systems. A key technology component that will enable these types of designs is a small, highly integrated, reprogrammable, multipurpose communications and navigation payload that can withstand the radiation environments encountered over a variety of orbits.
LPT Experiment Description
The Low Power Transceiver (LPT) is a compact, flexible device that can be configured to perform custom communications and navigation functions in terrestrial, airborne, and space applications. The LPT is a collection of interchangeable hardware modules that form a software programmable platform for a variety of communication and navigation applications. The LPT can simultaneously process multiple radio frequencies (RF bands) in the transmittance or retrieval direction, and simultaneously process multiple data channels within each RF band; further, its modular architecture provides a flexible arrangement of signal processing resources. This technology thrust strives to return the maximum possible scientific information from instruments on board a spacecraft to the customer/principal investigator on Earth. GSFC engineers are working rapidly to prototype and demonstrate applicable Internet technologies and methodologies and to infuse them into flight missions where they will significantly reduce development costs and greatly increase mission flexibility. Furthermore, they expect these technologies to enable entirely new, distributed, system and mission models in the future.
LPT Physical Description
• One thermally conductive box containing the LPT electronics stack.
• The LPT experiment will be mounted on two HH Single Bay Pallets, one of which is shared with SOLCON-3, on top of the HH MPESS.
• LPT has been integrated with a commercial processor board functioning as the flight computer, along with an three S-Band Receive Antenna, and one L-Band Antenna or Low Gain Transmit Antenna, all mounted to the top of the HH Multi-purpose Equipment Support Structure (MPESS) via a HH Single Bay Pallet (SBP).
• The flight computer will use GPS-Enhanced Orbit Navigation System (GEONS) software to process the Global Positing System (GPS) data.
• The flight computer will run the Linux operating system, and use Mobile IP over all of the RF links.
• The LPT TDRSS (and GN) forward link frequency is 2106.40625 MHz and the TDRSS (and GN) return link frequency is 2287.5 MHz.
• Two Standard Switch Panel (SSP) switches will be incorporated to prohibit inadvertent Radio Frequency (RF) transmission from the antenna.
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