Cramer announces awarding of $650,000 NASA research grant to UND
Dec. 6—GRAND FORKS — UND has received a $650,000 NASA space technology research program grant, U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., announced Tuesday, Dec. 6. The grant will fund research into the development of space-based wireless communications systems.
The research, which will be supervised by Ryan Adams, department chair of UND's school of electrical engineering and computer science, tackles the challenge of managing multiple streams of data pertaining to space travel. According to the research's description, critical space exploration applications require predictable, low latency wireless connections, meaning connections with limited disruption.
One of the stated objectives of the research is to develop a novel wireless technology for spaceflight environment that is adaptable for a variety of uses. More streamlined wireless communications will also lessen the risk of mechanical failure aboard spacecraft, as well as reduce spacecraft mass and complexity through reduced cabling requirements, according to the research's objectives.
UND will conduct the research in its own planetary habitat, to simulate the effects of wireless communication in space.
