Cognitive RF System – Now in Space

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An allegedly “cognitive” radio frequency system was launched into space, not more than 2 weeks ago. As part of the Pentagon Space Test Program, seven experimental satellites were launched, and among them a new system designed to enable jam-proof, high-speed satellite communications through electronic warfare.

The experimental CubeSat, also called Recurve, uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to autonomously decide how to route data through large constellations of interlinked satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), called “mesh networks,” to ensure that the right information is relayed to the right user at the right time in the right place, according to Breakingdefense.com.

The CubeSat is a cognitive RF system and thus is capable of reconfiguring itself by sensing what spectrum bands are best available (bands clear from noise caused by weather and/or enemy jamming) and repositioning itself to different frequency bands to ensure uninterrupted transmission.

This technology can provide an added layer of resiliency to that already provided by mesh networks, which already have the advantage of being able to connect directly to as many other nodes as possible in space, in the air and on the ground, and work together to route data to and from users without being dependent on any one satellite.