NASA seeks deep space communications tech

A NASA program is looking for new communications technologies for use on the final frontier, according to a proposal issued by the agency asking private industry to develop and test high-bandwidth deep space communications, navigation and timing technologies for spacecraft.

Besides seeking new communications systems that may help future human explorers in deep space, NASA is also interested in “systems that integrate technology developed across communication and navigation,” according to a report in Information Week.

"The space agency is also looking for technologies to remove or mitigate space debris; advanced in-space propulsion concepts; and systems that allow spacecraft to autonomously rendezvous, dock and fly in close proximity or in formation," its notice states.