RIPCom 2

The April 2003 flight tests were an unqualified success based on the National Infrared Operations (NIROPS) requirement for long-range broadband real-time transmission of high-resolution imagery acceptable by the Infrared Interpreter (IRIN). Upon later assessment, it was decided that the current state of technology could not fulfill both the performance and updated portability (single suitcase as carry-on luggage) requirements.

(Left) Case 1,
(Center) Case 1 with
computer tray removed,
(Right) Case 2

The NASA/GFSC and the Forest Service went back to work to develop a self-contained unit that could be easily transported by one person. It was a conscious decision to sacrifice both range and data bandwidth in order to meet the portability requirement. This collaborative effort resulted in a second generation RIPCom unit that utilizes a 36-inch omni-directional antenna and a single radio. The portable approach yields a much lighter package that can be transported in two pelican cases. One case contains the modem, radio, and laptop computer. The second contains the antenna, mast, and cables (Figure on right). The bottom line for the end-user is that the portable RIPCom ground station is capable of 1 Mbps data rate at a range of 8-10 miles.