Taxonomy Category Summary

This taxonomy category is divided into seven areas: optical communication, radio frequency, internetworking, network provided PNT, revolutionary communication technologies, networking and ground based orbital debris tracking and management, and acoustic communication. Optical communication includes technologies required to make communications with light practical and covers areas such as photon detector development, large optical apertures, lasers, pointing, acquisition and tracking (PAT), atmospheric mitigation, optimetrics, and innovative signal modulations. Radio frequency (RF) seeks to increase productivity of the constrained spectrum bands through flight and ground techniques and technologies that allow more efficient use of the RF spectrum and are more power efficient, mitigating effects of the RF channel on RF propagation, focusing on launch and re-entry communications as well as innovative antennas and RF technologies. Internetworking deals with the adaptation of Earth’s internet technology and processes throughout the solar system. It focuses on providing data delivery across paths that may be disrupted and/or have long delays, adaptive network topology, system safety, data integrity, availability and confidentiality, and integrated network management. Network provided position, navigation and timing (PNT) reduces reliance on Earth-based systems for position, navigation and timing and focuses on ultra high accuracy time systems for time-based signal distribution as well as revolutionary PNT technologies (such as X-ray or neutrino-based navigation). Revolutionary communications technologies enable “game changing” capabilities and consist of areas such as cognitive networking (applies machine learning and AI to networking systems), quantum communications, and hybrid radio and optical technologies. Networking and ground based orbital debris tracking and management focuses on developing an international network to track orbital debris (radar, laser, etc.), characterize debris and mitigate debris as well as creating orbital debris monitoring platforms which combine these areas. Acoustic communication deals with communication with elastic waves at sonic or ultrasonic frequency (e.g. sonar).

Research Affiliates

Below are our faculty affiliates whose research fall under this taxonomy category.