Summary
Due to advancements in component technology, microsatellite systems are increasingly viable solutions to address earth science and remote sensing missions.
For example, constellations of commercial, small, optical satellites are proliferating, supporting a variety of tasks and data applications. The ability to economically launch microsatellites on diverse launch vehicles promises advantages in rapid technology refresh, responsive space operations, and resilient (i.e., redundant) systems.
The RNET program seeks to demonstrate RF communications and sensing technologies that enable performance equivalent to existing systems, but on an order-of-magnitude smaller platform.
Two key technology areas of interest are lightweight, deployable antennas and advanced software defined radios.
This program is now complete
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