Over-the-Horizon Communications for Small Autonomous Ground Based Observations

There is a need for the capability to transmit data from various types of unattended ground based sensors such as biological/chemical, meteorological, audio/video surveillance, communication monitoring/decoying and vehicle/personnel movement sensors. Thesesensors will be precision air deployed using standard countermeasures dispensers and will be packaged in standard flare and chaff countermeasures form factors. Neptune Sciences Inc. (NSI) will perform Phase I research to prove the feasibility of providinglong term, long range data communications using a miniature satellite communications module small enough to fit within standard flare and chaff countermeasures form factors, while allowing sufficient space for sensors, power source, and the control andGPS components necessary for precision air delivery. Using the results of Phase I research a preliminary design concept for a suitable miniature satellite communications module will be developed. Option funding will be used to implement the preliminarydesign in a laboratory prototype that will undergo environmental (temperature, humidity, shock) and performance testing in order to expedite integration of modules into flight prototypes during Phase II. By precision air deployment from Unmanned AerialVehicles (UAVs), and optionally from manned aircraft, using existing Military dispenser technologies, unattended ground sensors packaged in standard countermeasures form factors can be accurately emplaced to detect presence of biological/chemical agents,movement of vehicles and personnel, transmit decoy communications, etc.. Using the proposed miniature satellite communications module will provide the capability of transmitting this sensor data to command/control centers without the necessity of aircraftover-flights or ground personnel being in close proximity to the sensors, reducing aircraft operational and maintenance costs and danger to ground personnel. There are significant non-military research, scientific, and environmental monitoring applicationsfor a miniature, power efficient satellite data modem. Use of sensors equipped with these modules deployed from manned or unmanned aircraft can provide academia and agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife animportant means of monitoring pollutants, tracking accidental chemical releases, monitoring wildlife movements. These applications indicate a potentially large market for future variants of the miniature SatComm module designed for civilian use.