Time-Domain And MultiMessenger Astrophysics Communications Science Analysis Group Report

Jamie A. Kennea; Judith L. Racusin; Eric Burns; Brian W. Grefenstettte; Rebekah A. Hounsell; C. Michelle Hui; Daniel Kocevski; T. Joseph W. Lazio; Stephen Lesage; Tyler A. Pritchard; Aaron Tohuvavohu; John A. Tomsick; David Traore; Colleen A. Wilson-Hodge

arXiv · 2410.03980

Time-Domain And MultiMessenger Astrophysics Communications Science Analysis Group Report

Jamie A. Kennea·Judith L. Racusin·Eric Burns·Brian W. Grefenstettte·Rebekah A. Hounsell·C. Michelle Hui·Daniel Kocevski·T. Joseph W. Lazio·Stephen Lesage·Tyler A. Pritchard·Aaron Tohuvavohu·John A. Tomsick·David Traore·Colleen A. Wilson-Hodge

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Abstract

The Time-Domain And MultiMessenger (TDAMM) Communications Science Analysis Group (TDAMMCommSAG) was formulated to describe the unique technical challenges of communicating rapidly to and from NASA astrophysics missions studying the most variable, transient, and extreme objects in the Universe. This report describes the study of if and how the transition from current NASA-operated space and ground relays to commercial services will adequately serve these missions. Depending on the individual mission requirements and Concept of Operations (ConOps), TDAMM missions may utilize a rapid low-rate demand access service, a low-rate continuous contact service, low-latency downlink upon demand, or a higher-latency but regular relay service. The specific implementations can vary via space relay or direct to Earth, but requires flexibility and adaptability using modern software infrastructure. The study team reviewed the current state of NASA communications services and future commercial and NASA communications services under study and in development. We explored the communications capabilities driving from the behavior of the astrophysical objects themselves.

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Jamie A. Kennea, Judith L. Racusin, Eric Burns, Brian W. Grefenstettte, Rebekah A. Hounsell, C. Michelle Hui, Daniel Kocevski, T. Joseph W. Lazio, Stephen Lesage, Tyler A. Pritchard, Aaron Tohuvavohu, John A. Tomsick, David Traore, Colleen A. Wilson-Hodge. 2024-10-04. Time-Domain And MultiMessenger Astrophysics Communications Science Analysis Group Report. https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.03980

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