FDC New Initiative: Seed Grant
IEEE FDC Society/Council New INCUBATION:
PROPOSAL
FDC Initiative Name
/ The Internet of SpaceDate Submitted / 04/10/2015
Initiative Leader Contact / Robert Weigel
Alternate Contacts / Sanjay Raman, Timothy Lee
Contacts E-Mail Addresses / ; ;
Phone/Extension / +49-9131-8527200, 571-218-4339, 310-941-0208
Society(s) / Council(s) Sponsor(s) / MTT-S, AP-S, AES-S, COMSOC, CAS-S, EMC, CE-S, ED-S, PEL-S, SSC-C, SP-S, Photonics, OE-S, IEEE SA
Please submit the seed grant proposal to
You may be contacted for additional information.
You will be notified of the decision within 15 days of submission.
Note: For additional information or questions regarding the seed grant process, please contact
Please complete the form below describing your proposed initiative1. Abstract (not to exceed 100 words)
Provide a description of the proposed initiative to be funded by a one year seed grant.
Today, approximately 60% (4.5B) of the world’s population cannot access the internet. Consequently, there has been a renaissance in interest and investment in space- and suborbital-based high-data-rate communications networks. These networks will have global impact on humanity by delivering high bandwidth information to every part of the world.
This area cuts across multiple hardware-oriented fields of interest including: aerospace systems; antennas; autonomous systems; communications; electronics; microwave/mm-wave technology; photonics; position, navigation and timing; power electronics, etc.
The proposed incubator effort will focus on a series of workshops and meet-ups to jumpstart a global technical community focused on these next-generation space-based information networks: The Internet of Space.
2. Proposal (not to exceed 600 words)
Provide a project description or statement of the work to be undertaken and the objectives to be achieved.
There has been a recent renaissance of interest and investment in deploying high-data-rate communications networks based on constellations of 1000’s of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites, as well as suborbital communications platforms such as High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft, persistent UAVs, airships, etc. These networks will have global impact on humanity by delivering ubiquitous high-bandwidth communications to nearly 60% of the world’s population that lives in underserved and fast-growing, but hard-to wire, regions of the world, maintaining such communications during natural or manmade disasters, with modest investments in ground infrastructure, and serving as a critical backbone for the Internet of Things (IoT). In the more distant future, these space-based networks may extend to serve manned and unmanned space missions throughout the solar system. We refer to these emerging networks as the Internet of Space (IoS).
For example, Google and SpaceX recently announced a $B investment in a plan to deliver hundreds or thousands of micro satellites into LEO around the globe to serve Internet to rural and developing areas of the world. SpaceX’s ultimate goal is building a bridge to a future manned colony on Mars. Similarly, a new venture, OneWeb, is proposing a 648 satellite LEO constellation, with significant investments from Virgin Group and Qualcomm. Facebook and Google already have begun laying plans to serve under-wired markets with drone-based and balloon-based data networks. The European Space Agency and AirBus Defense & Space are planning a “Space Data Highway” that features EO satellites at GEO, and a set of LEO satellites to provide a hybrid optical / RF network for Emergency Response, Open Ocean Surveillance, UAS communication, Weather Forecasting and Wide-Area Monitoring on the impacts of human activities on state of natural resources (deforestation, loss of biodiversity, water/air pollution). Facebook is leading “Internet.org” to bring together technology leaders, nonprofits and local communities to connect the two thirds of the world that doesn’t have internet access. The Space-based networks represent the final frontier in the competition for connectivity.
Back in the 1990’s, there were a number of large space-based satellite network ventures, such as Iridium, GlobalStar, Teledesic, etc. but only limited number of low-data rate (kbps) satellites were ultimately deployed. However, since that time, satellite technology has greatly advanced, bringing the cost of deployment down significantly. “Toaster-sized” micro-satellites can be launched dozens at a time to low earth orbits (LEO), reducing launch costs, while delivering performance comparable to larger, older satellites at higher orbits. Also, operation at LEO, satellites will also significantly reduce network latencies, while introducing challenging tracking, synchronization and handoff issues. Advances in microwave/mm-wave phased array technology and advanced CMOS over the last several years will also be key enablers. The new networks should not be expected to replace terrestrial networks, but will integrate seamlessly with these networks to provide ubiquitous global connectivity.
The design, implementation, and operation of the proposed space-based information networks will require highly interdisciplinary teams of researchers and engineers cutting across a range of IEEE hardware (and software) oriented societies, councils and other OUs. Key technologies for such systems include:
· Small and micro- satellite design
· Unmanned Air Systems
· Space, air, and ground network architectures and protocols
· Microwave/mm-wave transceivers, antennas and phased arrays
· Satcom terminal equipment – handsets, airborne and nautical
· Free space optical links
· Inter-operability / Connectivity to terrestrial networks (4G/5G mobile and wireline)
· Coding and digital signal processing
· Timing and synchronization
· PV and nuclear power sources/power electronics
· Radiation-hard electronics
· 3D printing of electronics and structures
· System-on-a-chip (SOC) devices for mobile SATCOM
· COTS devices for space
The objectives of this Future Directions proposal are:
• Short Term (through 2015): leveraging this proposed incubator grant, jumpstart a global community of interest within and external to IEEE focused on the Internet of Space through a series of workshops and meet-ups, including engagements with the space-based internet ventures described above, NASA, etc. in preparation for a full FDI proposal for 2016.
• Medium Term (2016): Launch an IoS Future Directions Initiative with the aforementioned society/council partners to progress through the FDI incubation process.
• Long term (2017+): Transition to Technical Community or Council status.
http://networld2020.eu/satcom-wg/
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/spacex-google-virgin-revive-buzz-over-satellite-internet-n289721
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/534361/why-the-time-seems-right-for-a-space-based-internet-service/
http://www.edrs-spacedatahighway.com/
3. Deliverables (not to exceed 200 words)
Describe the deliverables of this initiative at the conclusion of the one year seed grant funding. Please be specific.
One Year Deliverables:
1. Hold at least two brainstorming workshops to develop the scope of the Internet of Space FDI program. These will be F2F meetings with smaller group of interested OUs (MTT-S, AP-S, AES-S, PEL-S, COMSOC, Systems Council, CS and IEEE-SA). A whitepaper will be written after each workshop to document what was learned and to guide the future activities.
2. Hold telecons/WebEx/meetings with greater IEEE communities, other societies (AIAA, SAE, etc), industry leaders, government agencies (NASA, ESA, DOD, DHS, etc) humanitarian organizations (UN, Red Cross, first responders, NGOs, etc) and to develop potential cooperative framework for partnerships.
3. Develop a communications plan (web portal, infographics, e-newsletter, and social media campaigns). Leverage FDC’s website infrastructure and expertise to stand up an informational portal, without incurring high operational costs.
4. Create a Collaboratec community for IoS.
5. Develop a full proposal to submit to FDC for funding as an IEEE Initiative.
4. Outcomes, Impact and Metrics (not to exceed 200 words)
What outcomes do you expect, what are the potential impacts for your Society or Council the Future Directions can use to measure success?
1. Formation of a multi-disciplinary IEEE community that leverages our technologies to address the need for high bandwidth information communication networks.
2. Provide opportunities for creation of IoS focused IEEE branded publications, conferences, web presence and media awareness.
3. Demonstrate how ubiquitous space-based access to on-line communication, sensing and information systems can advance technology for humanity (disaster relief, telemedicine, environmental monitoring, emergency services, public health data collection to flight Ebola and other diseases, etc)
4. Provide new rationale / pull to encourage STEM education and student involvement.
5. Use this emerging topic to stimulate membership growth.
6. Incorporate IoS technology focus to IEEE SIGHT projects and initiatives in Africa, Asia and South America.
7. Establish IEEE members as technologists who cares about the public imperative.
5. Innovation and Importance (not to exceed 200 words)
Describe how this idea is innovative and of strategic importance to IEEE.
The idea of “Internet of Space” is the natural progression of the vision to extend Internet access to all members of the human race, no matter where they located on land, oceans, urban or rural areas. The topic is ahead of the innovation curve (see below) and is aligned with transformation of space technology / access from government funded to commercial ventures. From space, broadband connectivity to aircrafts and ships will be available within 1 to 3 years, to the entire globe in 3 to 5 years and to other planets (moon, Mars) within 10 to 20 years. With ubiquitous connectivity, people are empowered to impact their own lives and of others through the sharing of ideas and enabling the exchange of information for aid, weather, medicine, education, commerce and ultimately deliver hope to the underserved peoples of the world. IoS would enable the deployment of millions of sensors to monitor changes in our planet’s precious resources due to natural or man-made processes, supporting a shared vision for a sustainable future. The technologies involved are truly disruptive and IEEE will be in the forefront by the creation of a technical community that will attract students, academics, entrepreneurs and practitioners to this emerging field. There will be significant industry engagement in many fields of engineering (electrical, aerospace, environment, big data, security, transportation). Government/NGOs in disaster relief, homeland security, epidemiology and public policy will be attracted to work with the IEEE. Therefore the Internet of Space is of strategic importance to the IEEE and its mission to be relevant by nurturing and promotion of innovative ideas, new technical fields while serving the benefit of humanity.
6. Please indicate the estimated funding required for this one year initiative.
Duration of initiative: Calendar Year (2015)
Budget: Anticipated Expenses (total not to exceed $20K USD)
Expense description / Expense Amount ($US)
Face to Face workshops, 2X, up to 4 persons / $ 10,000
Develop Whitepapers after Workshop, 2X / $ 5000
Telecon / WebEx – use IEEE accounts / $ 0
Infographics & brochure / $ 2000
Informational website to solicit interest / email lists / $ 1000
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Total Expenses / $ 18,000
Revenue description / Revenue Amount ($US)
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Total Revenue / $ 0
Net Revenue-Expense$__-18,000 USD______
7. Please provide a Project plan and TimeLine for your request
8. Please describe how this project will continue after FDC funding is completed.
Medium Term (2016-2017): Launch a Future Directions Initiative on the IoS with the aforementioned society/council partners. Specifically, IoS will develop an overall roadmap and strategic plan for:
· Applications – Collaboration with NASA and ESA, Student Competitions
· Conferences – Presence at IMS, EuMW, APS/URSI, TBD etc
· Digital Presence & Outreach – Develop web portal, Expand Collaboratec Community, Create Logo, Develop IEEE IoS branding and Identify toolkit
· Education - Small-sat design student competition, workshops to teach the principles of hardware/software engineering, system engineering, aerospace engineering and orbital mechanics.
· Marketing - Host informational booths and panel discussions at sponsoring OUs’ conferences.
· Publications - Incorporate IoS topics and enabling technologies into Call for Papers for our OUs’ journals and conferences.
· Standards – Identify collaboration with Standards Association and hold joint SA workshop
· Develop transition plan to becoming an IEEE Technical Community or Council level OU.
Long term (2018+):
· Transition to IEEE Community or Council, perhaps partnering with other societies such as AIAA, SAE, Engineering for Change, Engineers Without Borders, etc.
· Develop stand-alone IoS conferences, webinars, publications, public policy statements, and standards.
· Develop corporate sponsorships opportunities.
· Develop synergies with other FDI working groups including Big Data, Cybersecurity, IoT, Green ICT and Smart Cities and the Technical Communities including Smart Grid, Transportation Electrification, Life Sciences and Cloud Computing All these FDI programs can benefit from Internet of Space technologies to help achieve their objectives.
9. FDC Internal Use.
FDC Project Number:______
FDC Mentor: ______.
IEEE FDC Seed Grant Proposal 2015 Page 2