Initiated by NASA in 2016, the Cognitive Communications Project aims to create autonomous space communication systems. These systems can autonomously respond to environmental conditions and update themselves during a mission without human intervention.
The project's collaboration with NASA Ames Research Center's Technology Education Satellite (TES) program began in 2022, leading to the launch of TES-13 CubeSat. TES-13 carried the first neuromorphic processor into space-technology designed to mimic the brain's processes. This mission allowed the cognitive team to successfully test their advanced technology in space for the first time.
Building on the success of TES-13, the team developed Cognitive Engine 1 (CE-1), an integrated space and ground software system. CE-1 automates various routine spacecraft communication tasks, including scheduling services and ensuring reliable, priority-based data transfers.
On July 3, cognitive technology returned to space on TES-11 as part of Firefly Aerospace's Noise of Summer mission, which launched eight small satellites, including TES-11. The satellite was developed through NASA Ames' Technology Education Satellite program, which involves collaborations between students and NASA researchers to test new technologies on small satellites, known as CubeSats.
TES-11 is currently evaluating components of CE-1, specifically those that enable satellites to autonomously schedule sessions with ground stations and download data without human involvement. The results from TES-11 will help the Cognitive Communications team refine their CE-1 design, preparing it for future NASA missions.
Related Links
Technology Education Satellite (TES) program
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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