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Johnson Space Center
2101 NASA Parkway
Mail Code: AO5
Houston, Texas 77058
Phone: (281) 483-3809
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The TTO is part of JSC's Strategic
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NASA TechFinder
Communications
In addition to its role as the NASA lead in human space flight, Johnson Space Center also manages a variety of telecommunications initiatives. JSC researchers develop communications technologies including antennas, radio frequency identification devices, tracking systems, and radar.
Featured Technologies
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Portable Wireless Signal Booster
Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have invented a portable communications signal booster that is currently available for licensing. Originally designed to improve communications for lunar missions, this lightweight, portable device can boost incoming signals to improve local reception for cell phones, laptops, satellite and Wi-Fi internet receivers without the need for power plugs, cables or batteries.
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Real-Time Tracking System Uses Ultra-Wideband RF Signals
A real-time locating system (RTLS) developed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center uses ultra-wideband (UWB) radio frequency (RF) signals for tracking and reporting the position of transmitter-equipped people and objects in a variety of environments.
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Ad Hoc Selection for Voice Over Internet Streams
NASA seeks interested parties to license the Ad Hoc Selection for Voice Over Internet Streams technology developed by engineers at Johnson Space Center. This technology features the ability to select specific audio streams from one or more sources and then convert them into a multicast to the user’s audio player.
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Extended Range RFID and Sensor Tag
NASA’s Johnson Space Center has developed a novel technology that enhances the performance of surface acoustic wave radio frequency (SAW RF) tags for passive radio frequency identification (RFID) and sensor applications.
More Available Technologies
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Distributed Antenna for Higher Accuracy GPS Positioning and Altitude Determination
Innovators at NASA’s Johnson Space Center have patented a system and method that allows for accurate position and attitude determination using a distributed antenna system with a global positioning system. The technology accounts for the non-unique phase centers inherent in distributed antenna systems and can be used with multi-transmitter systems that utilize carrier phase measurements.
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Low-Cost, Compact Deployable Antenna Boosts Range for Wireless Communications
Researchers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center have patented a low-cost deployable antenna for use with mobile phones. The antenna consists of a collapsible membrane formed of conductive material; a radiating element capable of transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves; and a ring support formed of a spring-like, deformable material attached to the perimeter of the collapsible membrane.
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Modified Configuration Improves Layered Antenna Performance
Innovators at NASA’s Johnson Space Center have patented a modified probe feed design for planar patch-type antennas that provides for simplified integration of circuitry to improve system performance.
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New Generation E-Textiles Enable Complex Fabric-Based Circuits, Antennas
Researchers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center have developed an automated method for producing intricate fabric-based circuits and antennas. The method enables the fabrication of complex single- or multilayer circuit patterns and will contribute to a new generation of mobile communication capabilities.
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Real-time Locating System Uses Ultra-Wideband Radio Frequency Signals for Tracking
Scientists at NASA’s Johnson Space Center have developed a real-time locating system (RTLS) that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) radio frequency signals for tracking. UWB is a low-power, carrier-free, ultra-wide bandwidth signal transmission that has 100 to 1,000 times finer time resolution than conventional narrowband radio frequencies.