A -- A- STUDY FOR INTERNATION SPACE STATION TO SATELLITE, PHASED ARRAY COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NASA/Johnson Space Center is interested in obtaining a study on a no cost basis describing a demonstration of a state-of-the-art space -to-ground communication technology in the spaceflight environment. The purpose of the demonstration is to foster development of commercial communications capability, to be provided as a potential leased service to the ISS program by the mid 2000s. The flight demonstration system should utilize NASA s tracking and Data Relay Satellite, and provide for two-way communications using a phased array antenna system between onboard applications and payload principal investigations on the ground. The equipment should provide for a forward data rate of at least 1.5 Mbps and a return data rate of at least 10 Mbps. Technology and designs developed for the flight demonstration should be readily transferable to Space Shuttle applications. Flight demonstration hardware will be required by early calendar year 2000 for integration into the Shuttle for transporting to the ISS. . These demonstration facilities could be available around the beginning of calendar year 2001, for a period of time yet to be determined. The provided study should include an estimated cost of the on-orbit demonstration if possible. This study should also describe a business arrangement relationship that would be appropriate for the success of the demonstration. Companies interested in providing this demonstration, at no cost to the ISS program should contact the individual identified below. The deadline for responding to this announcementby August 31, 1998 . Contact: C. Kenneth Land, Deputy Chief Avionics System Division MCEV111 NASA/Johnson Space Center 2101 NASA Road One Houston, Texas 77058 Phone 281-483-2873 Fax: 281-483-3020 Participation is open to U.S. Principal Investigator-lead teams with Co-Investigators from all categories of U.S. organizations, including industry, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies This action has no relationship to any other NASA published synopsis. No solicitation will be issued at this time. Participation in this effort is strictly voluntary with no cost or obligation to be incurred by the Government. The Government will in no way be obligated to purchase all or any part of the study provided. All information obtained from this request shall be made available for competitive bidding purposes, should the need arise. This synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the government, nor will the government pay for the information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. Any questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the identified point of contact . It is JSC s preference that propriety or company private information not be provided in your response to this sources sought. However, if such information is provided, it should be clearly marked along with any restriction on its use. WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/JSC/date.html#9-BG3-03-8-42P. E-MAIL: Marianne G. Bachstein, marianne.g.bachstein1@jsc.nasa.gov. Posted 07/31/98 (D-SN231392).

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