Within NASA, there are many working groups throughout the agency that collaborate on research and technology development. The Space Communication Architecture Working Group (SCAWG) is an effort to define future communication architectures for the agency.

Mechanically-deployed, dual space antenna reflectors on Thuraya satellite.

The SCAWG is the technical arm of the Space Communication Coordination and Integration Board (SCCIB). Both the SCAWG and the SCCIB are led by the Space Operations Mission Directorate, which is located at NASA Headquarters.

The architecture developed by the SCAWG defines elements of NASA’s future communications infrastructure along with items such as the networking and security functionality, navigation, timekeeping services and the spectral allocations required by the new infrastructure. This evolved system will include existing NASA communications networks such as the Deep Space Network (DSN), the Ground Network (GN) and the Space Network (SN) together with new elements of the infrastructure including the Lunar Relay and Mars Relay networks.

Navigation system availability indicated by coloration imposed on image of the moon. (Results are for Inclined Walker 6/2/1 constellation around the moon.)

Glenn personnel contribute to the definition of the future infrastructure together with other NASA centers, including Goddard Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Lab. Contributions from organizations outside of NASA have been made from Lincoln Labs, Satel, ASRC and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).

The SCAWG efforts at Glenn have focused on technology development. Glenn personnel help define technologies for the space communication architecture in the following areas: large deployable reflectors, high data rate return facility (for Mars), high power traveling wave tubes and fine-pointing mechanisms.

Defining elements of the infrastructure, together with the cross-cutting elements, involves computer simulation and analysis as well as the identification of a list of possible alternatives. The decision-making process within the SCAWG proceeds from this point by defining and evaluating several Figures of Merit (FoMs) that are associated with each alternative.

Inflatable reflector, currently under testing and development.

FoMs must be defined precisely so that they can be evauated on an objective and quantitative basis. FoM values are used, along with “weights,” to calculate a raw score that is associated with each alternative. Cost estimates for each alternative are also included in the formulation of the final recommendation. The SCAWG’s recommendations are based on the weighted FoM scores combined with the cost estimates.

The results of the above process are presented at the NASA agency-level for possible adoption into the Space Communication Architecture. This action impacts important decisions regarding NASA’s budget and the direction of future technology development projects.

Glenn’s SCAWG has been in operation for over two years and currently has nine members. They also support subgroups within the SCAWG including the Navigation Architecture Working Group and the Networking Architecture Working Group. The significant role of the SCAWG within NASA was acknowledged in NASA’s 2006 Strategic Plan. The continued efforts of the SCAWG are expected to enhance space communication for future exploration missions. They also promote a collaborative effort on space networking across all NASA centers.