NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR) Support for the NASA AFRC Mission By Dr. Pankaj Dhussa

1. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR)
Support for the NASA AFRC Mission
Challenge
- All flight operations and low Earth-orbit missions
require range support
- This support includes:
- Data Integration and Analysis
- Communication and Telemetry
- Collaborative Mission Support
- Versatile Mission Capabilities
Aeronautical Tracking Facility (AFT)
Mission Control Center (MCC) 1
Expected Impacts
- Perform flight research and technology
integration to revolutionize aviation and
pioneer aerospace technology
- Validate space exploration concepts
- Conduct airborne remote sensing and
science observations
- Support operations of the International
Space Station - for NASA and the nation
Partners and/or Participants
• Other NASA centers
• Edwards AFB
• Other Federal Agencies
• Commercial Partners
Results
Data Integration and Analysis: Efficient processing and
integration of radar, tracking, and telemetry data for diverse
research vehicles and missions, including real-time analysis and
space positioning
Communication and Telemetry: Robust audio and mobile
telemetry networks are essential for relaying real-time data and
video signals to support research operations and mission safety
Collaborative Mission Support: Coordination and integration of
mission support systems and engineering services across
organizations, facilitated by alliances like with the Edwards Air
Force Test Center
Versatile Mission Capabilities: Support for a broad range of flight
test programs, from space-based to uncrewed vehicles, requiring
scalable data processing, archiving, and safety control
DATR Facilities
Multiple Frequency Tracking System (MFTS)
Next Steps
• Adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Reliable Solutions for 24/7 Operations
• Emphasis on Flexible Data Visualization
• Collaboration and Decentralized Workflows
• Evolving with Future Technologies
• Transition to IP-based Transmissions (from AV-managed signals)
• Enhanced Security
Solution (or Proposed Solution)
• Track and receive data from test articles
• Track and transmit commands to a test article
• Facilitate communications for all test participants
• Reduce and present data from test article(s)
• Support International Space Station operations