AiRANACULUS Expands NASA Contract for Innovative Space Communications Technology
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 03, 2024
AiRANACULUS, a Massachusetts-based technology firm specializing in advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions, has announced an extension of its NASA Small Business Innovation Research contract. The contract, now in its Phase II-E stage, focuses on developing a cutting-edge space communications system aimed at supporting upcoming lunar and Martian missions.
The extended contract enables AiRANACULUS to advance the Intelligent Network Slicing and Policy-based Routing Engine solution (INSPIRE). This innovative system is designed to manage diverse traffic across shared satellite networks by utilizing Network Slicing features within 5G technology. These features allow for the logical partitioning and secure management of various application services while introducing enhanced policy control capabilities.
For missions involving extensive distances, such as those to the Moon and Mars, current communication protocols require pre-planned operations. AiRANACULUS’s solution seeks to improve this by continuously assessing the ambient RF environment, enabling machine learning and AI algorithms to make real-time routing decisions. This reduces the dependency on ground-based control for managing unexpected situations.
“The project will provide NASA a unified traffic management architecture for both space and ground communications, dramatically simplifying control of these complex networks,” explained Dr. Apurva N. Mody, Founder and CEO of AiRANACULUS. “The self-adjusting communications platform will introduce new levels of ultra-high network availability and efficiency, with significant benefit for commercial and military terrestrial networks as well.”
NASA’s Phase II-E contracts are designed to encourage further innovation and external validation of Phase II solutions, with the aim of advancing development and commercialization. AiRANACULUS secured the maximum allowable matching funds through a successful pre-seed funding round, meeting NASA’s requirements for external investment from non-NASA sources.
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