JPL Large Deployable Antenna for Outer Planet Missions
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), staffed with Caltech employees, and is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) under the sponsorship of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a member of the NASA family JPL is recognized as the agency's only FFRDC.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory located in Pasadena, California, is seeking information to support an order of magnitude improvement in data delivery capability from the outer solar system via a large (>6-m) higher frequency (Ka band, ~32 GHz) Reflector-Boom assembly (RBA). Specifically, JPL wishes to enable a >2 Mbps data rate from Jupiter and a >190 Kbps data rate from Neptune. (Data rates assuming >60 dBi Ka gain, 100W amplifier, to 34m or 70m ground antenna.)
The intent of this RFI is to obtain a feasibility assessment for extending current deployable large aperture RBA technology to outer planets. This information will be utilized to inform planning for a set of study contracts under consideration for early 2018. The output of each study contract would allow inclusion of one or more large aperture architectures within an upcoming set of Team X concurrent engineering mission concept studies in preparation for the upcoming Planetary Decadal Survey.
All RFI responses must provide a discussion of the eight (8) key elements indicated on pages 5-6 of the attached Technical Appendix and also include the following:
• Text description of the Offeror's approach.
• CAD/sketch/photo of the type of system proposed.
• Question/Answer comments for each heading in the "Response Guidelines" section of the attachment.
• References as applicable.
Although all comments received will be carefully reviewed by JPL and considered, JPL makes no commitment to include any particular recommendations. It is emphasized the requested information is for preliminary planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that JPL will make an award or solicit you for such a procurement in the future. Neither JPL nor the U.S. Government will be responsible for any costs incurred by you in furnishing any information.
Mary Helen Ruiz, Small Business Administrator, Phone 818-354-7532, Fax 818-393-3027, Email maryhelen.ruiz@jpl.nasa.gov - Amanda Laufer, Subcontracts Manager, Phone 818-354-0294, Fax 818-393-3171, Email Amanda.M.Laufer@jpl.nasa.gov
