Wireless Hybrid Identification and Sensing Platform for Equipment Recovery (WHISPER)

Advanced Systems & Technologies proposed WHISPER (Wireless Hybrid Identification and Sensing Platform for Equipment Recovery) solution to NASA's need for automatic location and tracking of a large number of individual crew items in a space habitat microgravity cabin is to combine a EPCglobal compliant WISP wireless identification and sensing platform (a quarter-sized device that is powered and read by off-the-shelf UHF RFID readers and contains a microcontroller and INS) with an IR sensor that works in conjunction with AS&T's existing Low Latency Infrared Positional Operating Projection (LOLIPOP) system. This would enable simple wireless location tracking of an unlimited number of items such as fasteners, hand tools, and clothing but would also do more complex orientation and velocity tracking. WHISPER modules can also be attached cold thruster maneuver platforms or even personnel for monitoring tasks or exercise.