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X-ray Detection and Processing Models for Spacecraft Navigation and Timing

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX10CD45P
Agency Tracking Number: 094818
Amount: $99,971.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: O4.02
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-01-29
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2010-07-29
Small Business Information
4940 W. 147th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250-6708
United States
DUNS: 118563519
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Paul Graven
 Principal Investigator
 (310) 219-2700
 pgraven@smad.com
Business Contact
 Lynn Shimohara
Title: Business Official
Phone: (310) 219-2700
Email: lynns@smad.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Based on work done under Microcosm's recently completed Phase II SBIR program on X-ray pulsar based navigation (XNAV), relevant X-ray source characterization, X-ray detector measurement models, and source timing models will be developed to support eventual implementation in the GEONS flight software environment. In Phase I, an initial assessment will be made of the key model parameters and accuracy of time determination. Microcosm has recently been awarded a contract by DARPA to assess the potential for XNAV as a precision timing source for DoD missions. This work will be evaluated in Phase I for the potential to provide a precise, independent, X-ray pulsar-based time reference for NASA missions as well. The team will work with the Naval Research Lab, JHU/Applied Physics Lab, and NASA GSFC, focusing on sources and detectors to develop enhanced models, and assessing potential timing accuracy. Development of pulsar signal processing methods and prototype algorithms will continue, incorporating new source and detector models. This work, along with the previous Phase II effort, will further validate the utility of XNAV for NASA, and provide sufficient development and testing of relevant technology to provide a rapid path to a full flight software development in a Phase II program.

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

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