Challenges and Lessons Learned in NASA's Approach to Development and Demonstration of Advanced Miniature Radio Frequency Space Flight Systems

Abstract

HE development of new miniature radio frequency (Mini-RF) technologies combined with the exploitation of existing airborne component technologies offered a high risk development path to future systems with reasonable reward. NASA’s sponsorship of the Mini-RF Program was driven by the desire to lower the life cycle cost of communication/navigation systems for future multi-mission support. The life cycle cost estimates for future space communications and navigation systems supporting users at a variety of frequency bands and data rates can reach into the $B’s. In addition, unknowns and uncertainties in future user requirements challenge architecture development and drive an interest in evolvable and reconfigurable system solutions. The systems developed in the Mini-RF Program addressed NASA’s needs through the integration of a number of subsystem and component technologies across government and industry. Ample use of field programmable gate arrays coupled with microwave power amplifiers integrated reconfigurability with broad and multi-band capability. In addition, the use of advanced antenna materials and manufacturing processes provided an order of magnitude reduction in mass, contributing to the resulting 10-15kg integrated payloads. A number of these technologies were already used in airborne applications and the cross-Agency team provided a path for development and flight qualification in a space environment. This program provided integrated payload level solutions for missions of opportunity as an alternative to dedicated spacecraft with multiple payloads. Emerging U.S. and international plans for robotic missions to lunar orbit offered missions of opportunity on which to demonstrate space application of these communications and radar systems to support NASA’s science and exploration objectives. A radar application of the system, Mini-SAR, was selected by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for flight on Chandrayaan-1 to map the lunar surface and search for water ice in permanently shadowed craters 1 . NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission hosted the second payload, a more advanced reconfigurable, reprogrammable, dual-band radar and communications system. These missions of opportunity required extremely short flight payload delivery schedules on the order of 2 ½ years. These advanced systems were developed utilizing several component technologies from across industry and the government. NASA leadership utilized a lean cross-Agency government team for management and oversight to leverage the existing technologies, maximize the use of commercial processes, provide flexibility and encourage innovation. This pilot management approach evolved over time in response to a variety of challenges encountered. The Mini-SAR and Mini-RF flight payloads were delivered to the different spacecraft 31 and 33 months, respectively, after the authority to proceed at a development cost of approximately $60M per payload. Both performed successfully on-orbit. This paper summarizes significant management challenges encountered and 1 Engineering Program Manager, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington DC. 2