^® Technology Areas

SpEC collaboration and prototype development allows for more frequent launches and innovative spacecraft designs to create more predictable access to space. SpEC technology areas include:

Mission Design, CONOPS, Evaluation

Design of a space system/architecture based on broad mission objectives and constraints

Define and characterize alternative concepts and architectures

Trade studies

Mission Operations and Architecture

Detailed assessment of how the organization will operate and control the selected mission

Definition of the major elements required to execute mission operations

Command, Control, and Communications Architecture

The definition and arrangement of systems to satisfy the mission’s communication, command and control requirements

Launch Segment

All components required to deliver the mission from the ground to space

Ground Segment

Fixed and mobile ground stations, connected by various communication links, that support command and tracking of the mission as well as receive and process telemetry and mission data

Includes the distribution of mission data to operators.

Satellite bus, structure, power, attitude control, propulsion

All elements and subsystems associated with the spacecraft operation except for mission specific systems (mission payloads) and communication

Payload - Data Processing and Transport

Commuication and processing

Payload - Radio Frequency

RF associated mission payloads (e.g. SAR, SIGINT, etc.)

Payload - Optical (Visibility and IR)

Optical associated payloads (e.g. laser, IR, etc.)

Electronics

Electronics specifically designed or intended for space operations e.g. FPGAs, rad-hard, etc.

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Application of AI/ML to support all aspects (ground/space/launch) of space operations