Key Takeaways:
- NASA’s Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT) technology demonstration is enabling space missions to switch seamlessly between government and commercial communications networks.
- The technology provides multiple benefits, including more reliable communications and fewer data interruptions.
- PExT has demonstrated interoperability between government and commercial networks near-Earth and will be expanded to the Moon and Mars.
- The technology uses wideband terminals to enable data exchange across a broad range of frequencies, bridging government and commercial networks.
- Commercial providers can advance their technology and add new capabilities to their networks, which can be integrated into missions equipped with wideband terminals.
Introduction to PExT Technology
The Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT) technology demonstration is a game-changing innovation that is revolutionizing space communications. Developed by NASA, PExT enables space missions to switch seamlessly between government and commercial communications networks, much like how cellphones roam between different networks. This technology has the potential to provide multiple benefits to government and commercial missions, including more reliable communications and fewer data interruptions. NASA missions rely on critical data to navigate, monitor spacecraft health, and transmit scientific information back to Earth, and PExT is proving to be a vital component in ensuring the success of these missions.
Benefits of PExT Technology
The PExT technology demonstration has reshaped what is possible for NASA and the U.S. satellite communications industry. According to Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program, "This mission has reshaped what’s possible for NASA and the U.S. satellite communications industry." The technology has demonstrated that interoperability between government and commercial networks is possible near-Earth, and NASA plans to expand these capabilities to the Moon and Mars. The success of commercial space partnerships is clear, and NASA will continue to carry this momentum forward. The use of wideband technology enables data exchange across a broad range of frequencies, helping to bridge government and commercial networks as NASA advances the commercialization of space communications.
How PExT Works
The PExT technology uses wideband terminals to enable data exchange across a broad range of frequencies. This allows missions to integrate new capabilities and enhancements from commercial providers, even after launch and during active operations. The technology also supports NASA’s network integrity by allowing missions to seamlessly switch back and forth between providers if one network faces critical disruptions. According to Greg Heckler, SCaN’s capability development lead, "Today, we take seamless cellphone roaming for granted, but in the early days of mobile phones, our devices only worked on one network. Our spaceflight missions faced similar limitations—until now." The PExT technology demonstration has proven that wideband terminals can connect spacecraft to multiple networks, a huge benefit for early adopter missions transitioning to commercial services in the 2030s.
Testing and Demonstration
The PExT technology demonstration was launched into low Earth orbit aboard the York Space Systems’ BARD mission on July 23. The compact wideband terminal, designed by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, communicates over a broad range of the Ka-band frequency, which is commonly used by NASA missions and commercial providers. The demonstration payload completed a series of tests, proving that the BARD spacecraft and the demonstration payload were functioning as expected. Testing then kicked off with NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) fleet and commercial satellite networks operated by SES Space and Defense and Viasat. During each demonstration, the terminal completed critical space communications and navigation operations, ranging from real-time spacecraft tracking and mission commands to high-rate data delivery.
Future Plans and Expansion
Due to the flexibility of wideband technology and the innovative nature of this mission, NASA has extended the PExT demonstration for an additional 12 months of testing. Extended mission operations will include new direct-to-Earth tests with the Swedish Space Corporation, scheduled to begin in early 2026. The technology demonstration will continue testing spaceflight communications capabilities through April 2027. By 2031, NASA plans to purchase satellite relay services for science missions in low Earth orbit from one or more U.S. companies. The success of the PExT technology demonstration has paved the way for future missions to take advantage of commercial space communications services, enabling more efficient and reliable data transmission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PExT technology demonstration is a significant innovation in space communications, enabling space missions to switch seamlessly between government and commercial communications networks. The technology has demonstrated interoperability between government and commercial networks near-Earth and will be expanded to the Moon and Mars. With its ability to provide more reliable communications and fewer data interruptions, PExT is set to revolutionize the way space missions communicate with Earth. As commercial providers continue to advance their technology and add new capabilities to their networks, missions equipped with wideband terminals will be able to integrate these enhancements, ensuring the success of future space missions.
