Award Data

The goal of a sensor manager is to cue the right sensor to perform the right service on the right target at the right time. This task essentially implies JDL Level 4 strategies and algorithms for control and action. In response to SBIR MDA04-023, 21st Century Systems, Inc. is pleased to propose researching and developing state-of-the-art "system-of-systems" management for sensor platforms with mul ...

In partnership with MIT, AeroAstro will continue the development of a highly innovative lightweight, inexpensive, low power star tracker for small satellite applications. No solution currently exists currently in this area of the trade space. The design developed in Phase I takes advantage of the processing capabilities embedded in newer CMOS imagers to reduce power consumption and limit the amo ...

Significant improvements in propulsion systems are necessary in order to support high altitude, long endurance (HALE) missions for airships and UAV's. One of the critical components of the propulsion system is the propeller. The proposed research will demonstrate the feasibility of producing large diameter light weight adaptive propellers from launch through long duration station keeping in a va ...

Hardware in the loop simulations provide important performance and systems integration information without the inherent risks and costs of flight testing. These simulations require real-time high fidelity signal generation with flexible parameters and close modeling of the true signals. This proposal details software controlled GPS signal simulation system compatible with current and future GPS si ...

This proposal describes a plan to use novel GPS/INS integrated system in the navigation, guidance and control system of microsatellites. The novel GPS/INS integration scheme will allow inexpensive attitude and position estimation with high fidelity and robustness. During Phase I we design such system and provide plans for integration within a microsatellite. A laboratory demonstration of the pr ...

This MDA STTR Phase II proposal is a continuation of the work started in Phase I where we proposed to employ ionically self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) processing methods for the fabrication of interconnection joints for high temperature packaging of power electronics devices. The ISAM technique is a recently developed revolutionary method which provides nanoscale control of structure, density, and ...

Advanced modulation formats and detection approaches, common in optical communications, have the potential of improving the performance of coherent LADAR systems. In order to achieve unambiguous range and velocity discrimination a sophisticated modulation format is required. We want to adapt telecommunication modualtion formats and investigate their advantages in LADAR applications. By integrati ...

In order to meet evolving advanced threats, missile defense systems must increase their target discrimination capabilities by using advanced seekers. Advanced seekers include multiple IR sensors operating in mid, extended mid and long wavelengths, laser radar for range, velocity and high-resolution angle data, sensor data correction to improve image uniformity and strapdown optical system control ...

Several concepts for miniature interceptors have been considered by various agencies of the United States Missile Defense community. Many new and innovative technologies are required to be developed to address the many unique problems faced when attempting to create an integrated system that is capable of autonomous fly out to an end point target. One common aspect for all concepts under conside ...

We propose the prototype development of an efficient extended-interaction X-band amplifier (EIXA) that will provide high power X-band radiation for space communications. The EIXA is based on the interaction between a high-frequency electron bunches and the electromagnetic fields of a very compact dielectric-lined waveguide. The dielectric waveguide is used to slow down the wave and to allow the ...