Space Communications And Navigation Research Articles

Recommendations on quantum education

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and The White House have an interest in expanding quantum education in the US. This report summarizes the findings of NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program fellowship and is focused on making recommendations regarding improving and expanding quantum education nationwide. To make informed and effective recommendations, qualitative data was collected regarding the current state of quantum education in the US. The information collected from meeting with experts in the fields of quantum and education was assessed before recommendations and suggestions were made. Topics addressed include guidance for selecting locations to initially focus quantum education efforts, potential problems with teachers incorporating quantum in their instructions, potential solutions to those problems, steps to increase quantum education nationwide, potential quantum programs at universities, the quantum job market, quantum demonstrations at the K-12 level, and quantum curriculum.

A Representative Application of a Layered Interface Modeling Pattern

AbstractModel‐based systems engineering (MBSE) is intended to improve how systems engineering is performed compared with a more traditional document‐based approach by effectively using models to analyze, specify, design, and verify systems. The OMG Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysML™) enables the practice of MBSE by providing a robust and expressive language for representing systems.Several MBSE methods are available [3], and have continued to mature over the last several years which include model‐based practices for requirements flow‐down, architecture‐design, trade‐off analysis, verification planning, and others. One of the critical systems engineering practices is interface modeling. This paper describes a layered interface pattern for modeling data and communications interfaces using SysML. The pattern spans logical to physical interface definition, and includes software and electrical interfaces.Each layer in a stack describes a portion of the interface functionality. The concept of a layered interface is borrowed from computer networking [8] [10]. The layered interface pattern described in this paper enables the specification and design of connections and behavior between interfacing systems at a given layer, and between the adjacent layers of a single system. This pattern may also be applied recursively. That is, communication within a single layer may itself be realized by a multi‐layer stack. The level of detail of the model to describe a layered interface should be adapted to the need, and can vary from highly abstract logical flows across a system to highly detailed protocol specifications and message structures.This paper builds on work that was documented in a previous paper entitled “A modeling pattern for layered system interfaces” [5]. Aspects of this pattern have been demonstrated in various project applications including Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT‐1), Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) Trade Studies, and the SCaN Network Integration Project (SNIP).

From the Editor-in-Chief April 2013

The end of the space shuttle program did not imply the end of NASA activities and research. The International Space Station continues to have an on-board crew who live and work in space with part of the station supporting various laboratory activities. As you can see from our front and back cover, we have an interesting article in this issue on NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCAN) Test Bed which was launched in 2012 and is externally mounted on the International Space Station. It will operationally test communications, networks, and navigation capabilities in space. An interesting point to note is that this capability is available for experimentation not only by government agencies but by academia and industry as well in order to aid in technology assessments and standards advancements. This article is just one of many we hope will peak your interest and draw you in to read further. We also include information from Darin Dunham, our book review editor, in this issue that will help guide you if you are considering reading and reviewing a book for the magazine. Finally, please take a look at our call for nominations for the Pioneer Award. Next month we will have a piece dedicated to discussing the award and its history.

11.5.2 A NASA Space Communications and Navigation SysML Profile Adaptation

AbstractThe NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Office has been conducting trade studies to investigate integrating its three independent space networks into an integrated space network. SCaN has also chosen to use a model‐based systems engineering approach for the trade studies. SysML, being a general‐purpose modeling language for systems engineering, was chosen to model the Operational Process Flow for each of the three, independent space networks, as well as for a common, integrated network. This paper describes how the base SysML profile was modified to meet the purposes of the trade study investigating network monitoring and control. Though the methodology described in this paper, neither completely adheres to, nor completely deviates from, standard SysML usage, a working form of SysML modeling has been developed for the network monitoring and control trade study and future anticipated trade studies.