Modular ORS-Compatible Software-Defined Transceiver System for Space and Near-Space Platforms

Feasibility studies and technical analyses will be performed on a design for a very small, lightweight, cost-effective, remotely reprogrammable, two-way, software-defined-radio-based communications package called the Software Defined Transceiver (SDT). The SDT design will encompass the entire required payload including the supporting circuitry and the communications antennas. The payload, while also usable on UAV, airships, etc, will be designed to be fully compatible with Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program micro-sat or nano-sat class busses. The SDT payload transceiver architecture will be modular and extensible from a single set of transmit and receive channels to a multi-channel system. This modular extensibility along with complete remote reprogramability will provide an extremely versatile yet cost-effective communications tool to DoD A white paper will be delivered in Phase I, in which estimates will be made for mass, power requirements and duty cycles. The white paper will include risk analyses, on-orbit lifetime estimates, and shelf life estimates. The Phase I technology assessment will achieve Technology Readiness Level 2 (TRL 2). Phase II will implement the Phase I including a system prototype and demonstration of the key technologies such as remote reprogrammability, extensibility to multiple channels and bridging.