Goddard Engineering and Technology Directorate

Sounding Rockets, Scientific Balloons and the Research Range  

Wallops Arc Second Pointer (WASP) system integrated for XL-Calibur Balloon mission launched from Esrange Sweden 2024
Wallops Arc Second Pointer (WASP) system integrated for XL-Calibur Balloon mission launched from Esrange Sweden 2024

Empowering Space Missions with Advanced Technologies and Comprehensive Engineering Support


ETD at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) develops new technologies that improve flight projects’ capabilities or lower access costs to space. ETD supports all phases of the mission lifecycle with engineering teams assembled across ETD branches for mechanical, electrical, software, guidance, navigation & control, and systems engineering.  ETD collaborates with PI teams to develop and accommodate instruments or payloads onto flight platforms, including suborbital and special orbital missions.  WFF ETD designs develops, integrates, and tests subsystem technology that enhances WFF suborbital platforms (sounding rockets and scientific balloons).  Technology developments range from capable pointing systems Wallops Arc Second Pointer (WASP) to communication & power systems for sub-payload technology (SWARM) deployed for in-situ measurements.  We offer a comprehensive range of skills in conjunction with Wallops’ exhaustive array of Integration and Test Facilities, including the Mission Planning Lab (MPL). ETD also supports the WFF Research Range by developing ground systems instrumentation that enables suborbital and orbital launches out of WFF.  Ground systems include real-time software systems, telemetry, radar, and command systems.  

SWARM sub-payload technology platform used on sounding rocket missions to obtain multipoint in-situ measurements or as a technology development platform for testing small systems (sub-orbital or CubeSat).
SWARM sub-payload technology platform used on sounding rocket missions to obtain multipoint in-situ measurements or as a technology development platform for testing small systems (sub-orbital or CubeSat).
Range Mobile Instrumentation
Range Mobile Instrumentation

Sounding Rockets, Scientific Balloons and the Research Range is managed by ETD’s
Electrical Engineering Division (Code 560)