Progress and future development toward a UAT ADS-B transmitter for space operations

Commercial space operations introduce challenges in both the integration of spacecraft national airspace system and support the coordination of orbital spacecraft. There exists a need for a low-cost tracking system capable of supporting these vehicles that does not require a substantial development of additional infrastructure. Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) technology is a tracking system used for aviation that is supported by a nationwide network of ground-based transceivers tied to FAA systems and commercially subscribable data feeds. This paper provides a progress report on the development and technical maturation of a 978 MHz ADS-B prototype developed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University under the support of the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation with the goal of supporting these operations. This paper discusses the prototype's design and history, the integration of the payload onboard a re-entry vehicle, proposed future upgrades, and planned flight tests.