DARPA wants system that lets multiple small satellites to communicate, act as one
DARPA is looking for computer chip and electronics manufacturers to help it build the wireless communication system is will use to facilitate its Future, Fast, Flexible, Fractionated, Free-Flying Spacecraft or System F6 satellites. The F6 program is intended deploy what DARPA calls “fractionated modules” of current all-in-one satellites. For example, each module would support a unique capability, such as command and control, data handling, guidance and navigation, payload. Modules could replicate the functions of other modules as well. Such modules can be physically connected once in orbit or remain nearby to each other in a loose formation, or cluster, harnessed together as a virtual satellite, DARPA stated.
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Small, wirelessly-networked, energy efficient systems with sophisticated security policies and powerful processors are commonplace in today’s world. They are not, however, state of the art in space, DARPA said. “Today’s space electronics are clunky,” said Paul Eremenko, DARPA program manager in a statement. “They provide limited processing speed and capability, they’re bulky and power-hungry, and they are manufactured as bespoke, one-of-a-kind products.”
From DARPA: “Essentially a network computing device, the F6 physically connects to and provides switching and routing functions between the spacecraft bus, the wireless inter-satellite transceivers, shared resource payloads (such as high-powered computing, data storage, and other communications links) and mission payloads such as sensors. The F6 serves as the hardware platform running the software that enables cluster networking including the network protocol stack, real-time resource sharing middleware, cluster flight applications and mission-specific applications. The F6 also provides cryptographic capability and other security features that enable a multi-level security environment. “
“What we’re looking for is being done on the ground today,” added Eremenko. “We need the groups currently developing those same state-of-the-art ground-based solutions to develop technologies that combine small size, reliability, and low cost with approaches that enable operation in the harsh environment of space…”
DARPA says it is holding a virtual F6 Proposers’ Day on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at 11:00am Eastern Time.
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