Real-Time Bi-Directional Telemetry and Communications Systems

The contract seeks to develop and implement low-latency, real-time bi-directional telemetry and communications systems that connect a subsea habitat with NASA Johnson Space Center to support data, voice, and video transmission critical for mission simulation and operational readiness. The system must emulate the communication delays inherent in lunar and Mars missions to accurately replicate the conditions astronauts will encounter during deep space exploration, enabling training, testing, and evaluation of human factors, protocols, and technologies under realistic latency conditions. This includes the integration of hardware and software capable of sustaining continuous, high-fidelity communication links despite the challenges posed by underwater environments and simulated deep-space signal propagation delays. The effort is structured as a subcontract under NASA Johnson Space Center’s initiative, with performance focused at the 77058 zip code location in Houston, Texas. The solicitation, posted on June 22, 2026, requires proposals to be submitted by July 6, 2026, and is classified under NAICS code 517110, indicating a focus on telecommunications services. The system must support seamless, reliable, and secure transmission with minimal disruption, ensuring that real-time interactions between the subsea habitat and mission control mirror the timing and fidelity expected during actual extraterrestrial missions. The project aims to bridge terrestrial analog environments with space mission requirements to advance the nation’s capabilities in human spaceflight operations.