Spectrum Astro Wins Deal for Space Internet

Spectrum Astro Inc. of Gilbert, Ariz., won a contract from NASA Glenn Research Center to develop spacecraft network hardware, called Space Network Devices, the company announced July 24.

The idea behind Space Network Devices is to take concepts and technologies developed for the Internet and use them to communicate aboard a spacecraft.

The contract will be worth up to $3 million over five years if all options are exercised. It is part of NASA's Cross-Enterprise Technology Development Program, which creates critical space technologies that lower costs, improve performance and enable new missions for the Earth Science, Space Science, and Human Exploration and Development in Space enterprises.

This contract is part of an effort that facilitates communication and information technology breakthroughs, enabling high-rate delivery of data between space and the Earth.

The project seeks to develop prototype network hardware that allows the use of transmission control protocol and Internet protocol for space applications. Local-area network hardware, including a switch and network interface card, will be developed. Future plans include using these components as building blocks for a space-based router.

"This will allow faster, easier access to data by scientists while enabling and simplifying operations and reducing mission costs," said Jennifer Lazbin, the company's Space Network Devices program manager.