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Distributed Satellite Systems

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Contract: D12PC00124
Agency Tracking Number: D2-1093
Amount: $1,124,889.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: ST092-005
Solicitation Number: 2009.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-05-27
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
9950 Wakeman Drive
Manassas, VA -
United States
DUNS: 604717165
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Javier Luis
 Chief Scientist
 (617) 500-0249
 jdeluis@aurora.aero
Business Contact
 Diana Eichfeld
Title: Contracts Manager
Phone: (703) 396-6329
Email: deichfeld@aurora.aero
Research Institution
 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
 Stacey Sullaway
 
77 Massachusetts Avenue Bldg. E19-750
Cambridge, MA 02139-
United States

 (617) 324-7210
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Aurora proposes to radically advance the concept of distributed satellite systems through a combination of technology development to enable precision 3-axis control and a demonstration of a distributed CubeSat system capable of performing a militarily significant geolocation of signals mission. During phase I we identified architectures that enable the greatest performance and reliability while minimizing cost. Under phase II we will build upon this by defining cluster geometry, orbits, and CONOPS that maximize the performance of a SIGINT system. We will leverage funded work on the MotherCube 1-axis thruster slice, a full 3-axis slice can be developed and prototypes fabricated. This modular system will enable future CubeSat missions to achieve precise positioning using the microspray thruster technology. Utilizing MotherCube and PayloadCube buses fabricated under the MotherCube phase II, the DSS effort can focus on design of the geolocation payload, integration of receivers onto the PayloadCube and the MotherCube, interfaces with the Cube"s DGPS for signal timing and position knowledge, and integration of additional processing power required to prepare signals packages for downlink. This provides DARPA with hardware capable of performing a useful mission with distributed hardware.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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