Advanced RF Technologies

Research, technology development, and characterization of antennas, RF components, and systems in support of NASA’s space and aeronautics communications applications.

NASA’s Glenn Research Center is the recognized Center of Excellence in Advanced RF Technologies for the Agency. Our focus areas include research, technology development, and characterization of antennas, RF components, and systems in support of NASA’s space and aeronautics communications applications. Primary activities include:

Development of novel antenna technologies and calibration techniques for advanced phased arrays, conformal antennas, wideband antennas, and antennas for harsh environments
Antenna and end-to-end communications system metrology and emulation in realistic environments
RF and optical atmospheric propagation studies
High power amplifier/circuit design and testing

Electromagnetic modeling and simulation

Atmospheric Propagation Research

The objective of atmospheric propagation research is to improve the statistical understanding of atmospheric effects in microwave and optical bands at current and future operational sites for NASA’s communications links.