Range Technologies consist of unique technologies used in the range support facilities and equipment required to provide control, supply measurement data, and ensure safety of launch and test operations. Examples of these technologies include range safety analysis data processing equipment, telemetry reception and processing equipment, command destruct systems, weather systems, radar systems and displays, optical tracking and recording equipment, control centers, and communications centers. Significant capital investment is required to build this capability, and as a result, these assets have traditionally been slow to modernize. In addition, the costs associated with this infrastructure are difficult to quantify. Future spaceport operations will require flexible range technologies to accommodate the latest technological advances. These technologies must also be able to adapt to different space flight hardware designs and reduce the degree of customization required. Range technologies will also be needed to support multiple vehicles and multiple spaceports simultaneously. The ultimate goal of this technology thrust area is to create range technologies that provide for integrated range operation of all spaceports at lower costs and higher safety than is currently possible.

Technology focus areas include the following:

1. Weather Instrumentation
2. Range Surveillance Technology
3. Tracking and Telemetry Technology
4. Decision Modeling and Analysis
5. Range Safety and Traffic Management

For more information regarding Range Technologies, please contact Richard Nelson, (321) 867-3332, Richard.Nelson-2@ksc.nasa.gov; or Darin Skelly, (321) 867-3639, Darin.Skelly-1@ksc.nasa.gov.

• Operational Forecasting Tool To Improve Predictions of Thunderstorm Anvil Clouds
• Space-Based Telemetry and Range Safety (STARS)
• Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) — Phase II
• Iridium Flight Modem
• Passive Coherent Locator for Range Safety
• Spacecraft Nutation Growth Rate Determination Using the Spinning Slosh Test Rig (SSTR)
• Advanced Range Technologies Working Group (ARTWG) Formation
  

Goals Specific to Focus Areas

• Improve safety and responsiveness (support more launches, reduce lead and turnaround time, and reduce delays)
• Reduce variable costs
• Reduce total cost of fixed infrastructure