NASA’s V-R3x mission represents a significant leap forward in space technology, focusing on autonomous communication and navigation between multiple spacecraft. As NASA expands its operations in low-Earth orbit and ventures further, the ability for spacecraft to coordinate and communicate independently becomes crucial. The V-R3x mission tackles this challenge head-on, utilizing a swarm of three small satellites to test cutting-edge technologies in radio networking and navigation. This innovative approach, demonstrated at a manageable scale through the r3x project, paves the way for implementation in larger, more complex multi-spacecraft missions, directly supporting NASA’s ambitious science, technology, and exploration objectives.
Three small cube-shaped devices on a table, one with a red tag that reads
The r3x mission leverages three CubeSats, each about the size of a coffee mug, to conduct a series of technology demonstrations in space. These demonstrations are designed to validate critical capabilities, including precise measurement of distance between spacecraft, high-speed data transmission across spacecraft, coordinated radiation measurements using onboard sensors, and maintaining accurate awareness of the orientation and formation of the entire three-satellite swarm. The success of r3x hinges on proving these technologies in a real-world space environment.
Person wearing a mask and hair net working on a small device.
The orbital phase of the r3x mission commenced with a launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-1 mission. The primary goals of r3x are anticipated to be achieved within the initial two weeks following launch, although the mission is planned to extend for three months to gather a more comprehensive dataset. Complementing the orbital mission, the r3x team is also set to deploy a CubeSat on a high-altitude balloon through NASA’s Flight Opportunities program. This balloon test will involve four ground units communicating with the balloon-borne satellite at altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet, further validating the communication capabilities of the r3x technologies in a near-space environment.
Both the orbital and balloon experiments within the r3x mission are crucial for demonstrating the ability of small satellites to effectively communicate over vast distances. They will showcase the satellites’ capacity to maintain spatial awareness relative to each other, collaborate in data collection efforts, and rapidly exchange this data. This coordinated approach is at the heart of the r3x mission’s objectives.
Four people standing around a table, with several small cube shaped devices and one longer, vertical container.
The r3x mission is built upon PyCubed, an open-source CubeSat framework that integrates both hardware and software components. Furthermore, r3x marks the first operational use of Amazon Web Service’s ground station for a NASA mission. By utilizing these resources, r3x establishes a streamlined and cost-effective platform for future technology demonstrations within NASA.
Milestones:
- January 2021: Launch of V-3Rx as a secondary payload on SpaceX Transporter-1 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
- March 2021: High-altitude balloon test campaign with Raven Aerostar in Baltic, South Dakota, to support the orbital mission.
Collaborators:
The V-R3x project is a collaborative effort between the Payload Accelerator for CubeSat Endeavors initiative (PACE) at NASA’s Ames Research Center and the Robotic Exploration Lab (REx). PACE is part of NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program. REx, initially at Stanford University, is now based at Carnegie Mellon University. The Flight Opportunities program facilitates the balloon test. PyCubed, the foundation of r3x, is developed by Max Holliday at Stanford University.
