Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology, products, system and software company addressing defense, national security, and commercial markets, hasdeveloped the OpenSpace quantumRadio a virtualized software modem for narrowband missions.
In satellite ground systems – whether large or small – RF signal processing has traditionally been performed by racks of hardware modems, creating an expensive, inflexible, and complex architecture. The OpenSpace quantum products are individual virtualized network functions that replace traditional hardware. OpenSpace quantumRadio is a software-based radio that provides the signal processing functions required for TT&C and narrowband payload missions.
OpenSpace quantumRadio software modem offers lower operating costs, increased scalability and dynamic capabilities beyond traditional hardware.
- Offers configuration on the fly to support multiple satellites and payloads
- Scales on demand by spinning virtual instances up and down
- Provides access and control from anywhere and anytime through the web
- Lowers hardware costs
- Deploys flexibly on bare metal, virtually or in the cloud
The OpenSpace quantumRadio provides modulation, demodulation, error correction, and up/down frequency conversion all in software without the use of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The virtualized function runs on standard x86 servers on-premise or in the cloud.
Key Features
- OpenSpace quantumRadio can be used on-premise, in a private cloud or with a cloud provider
- Suitable for all types of programs from single satellites to large constellations
- Compatible with widely used space radios
- Performs telemetry, commanding and ranging functions
- Built-in test functions that reduce costs and minimize Integration and Test (I&T) efforts
- Configurable as mission requirements change or as new missions come online
- Standard TCP/IP, GEMS, REST, and VITA-49 interfaces make integration simple and protect long term investments
- Minimize hardware footprint and costs with pure software implementation
Unlike traditional TT&C and data modems, quantumRadio embraces an open-standards approach. Monitoring and control can be done using the browser-based user interface or using one of the following open standards APIs: REST or GEMS.
The quantumRadio is an ideal solution for new satellites and/or ground stations due to its performance and economic efficiency. It is compatible with most common satellite buses and operates seamlessly alongside other modems in existing operations. Engineered to reduce operational costs and enhance troubleshooting, the quantumRadio supports newer digital IF signaling and provides unsurpassed scalability. The quantumRadio modem is built for applications spanning the lifecycle of the satellite–from assembly and test, to launch and on-orbit checkout, to full operation.
Click here to learn more about OpenSpace quantumRadio from Kratos.
