Date: Jul 27, 2011 Source: PRWeb (
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Contract awarded from the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) to mZeal Communications and Integral System to work on the System F6 concept.
The goal of this program is to show the benefits and feasibility of a fractionated network architecture in space.
Fitchburg, MA., (PRWEB) July 27, 2011
mZeal Communications, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded a $1.2M prime contract with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to construct the Mission-Aware Network Architecture for Small-Satellite Adaptive Systems (MANASSAS). MANASSAS was competitively selected by DARPA within Technical Area 3, Information Architecture, of the F6 Broad Agency Announcement. mZeal Communications collaborates with Integral Systems Inc., Military and Intelligence Group (MIG), utilizing their expertise in space systems and their knowledge of multi-level secure (MLS) network architecture on this project.
The DARPA System F6 concept pioneered by DARPA is a model that will redefine how information is transmitted from satellite to satellite. The goal of this program is to show the benefits and feasibility of disaggregated-- or fractionated—network architecture in space. This new System F6 architecture takes the traditional single, large, monolithic, satellite architecture and exchanges it with clusters of wirelessly- interconnected modules capable of sharing their resources and utilizing resources found in different parts of the network. This architecture allows for greater adaptability and improves the survivability of space systems, as well as shortening timelines for development and reducing the barrier-to-entry for participation in the national security space industry. The program is designed with the development of open interface standards in mind, enabling the introduction of a space "global commons". This "global Commons" would aid security postures of all participants though interdependence. Looking to the future the goals for both the open interface standards and for continued industry wide collaboration would be the development of efficient, constantly evolving, fractionated systems to both explore and inform us of space.
Once in place the F6 network along with MANASSAS would be able to operate semi-autonomously. Utilizing the Cognitive Networking approach in MANASSA and the MLS, real-time communication, and the ability to change and modify its behavior in flight significantly enhances its effectiveness and flexibility.
ABOUT MZEAL
mZeal Communications, Inc. is a technology services company specializing in network security, cognitive networking, adaptive systems and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for enterprise, ad-hoc, sensor, airborne and space communication -- serving defense, federal and commercial markets. They provide a wide variety of bandwidth management solutions for tactical and airborne operational environments. Ongoing R&D efforts in cognitive networking allow them to apply a multilayered approach for efficient distribution of information over wireless networks. Their research focus on Network Security enables provisioning of cyber defense solutions such as Information Assurance, IPV4 to IPV6 transition security, trusted computing, behavioral analysis and secure wireless sensor networks. mZeal's core competency is in utilizing state-of-the-art technologies for building new systems and extending existing systems based on open standards which will stand the test of time. Strict adherence to component design methodologies and open standards results in dynamic systems which are easily upgradeable, deployable, and cost effective. mZeal is an 8(a) certified, woman owned small disadvantaged business. For more information, visit http://www.mZeal.com.
ABOUT INTEGRAL SYSTEMS
Integral Systems, Inc. is a global provider of products, systems and services for satellite command and control, telemetry and digital signal processing, data communications, enterprise network management and communications information assurance. We specialize in developing, managing and operating secure communications networks, both satellite and terrestrial, as well as systems and services to detect, characterize and geo-locate sources of RF interference. Our customers include U.S. and foreign commercial, government, military and intelligence organizations. For almost 30 years, customers have relied on the Integral Systems family of companies (Integral Systems, Inc., Integral Systems Europe, Lumistar, Inc., Newpoint Technologies, Inc., RT Logic and SAT Corporation), as well as our services organization, Integral Systems Service Solutions (IS3), to design and deliver innovative commercial-based products, solutions and services that are cost-effective and reduce delivery schedules and risk. Our dedication to "The Integral Difference" has solidified long-term relationships with the U.S. DoD, NASA, NOAA and nearly every commercial satellite operator in the world. For more information, visit http://www.integ.com.
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Company Contact:
Patrick Waite
mZeal Communications Inc.
Phone: 978.665.0280 Ext 120
Patrick.Waite(at)mZeal(dot)com
