NSF Award #2431961 · Project Year 2 Active
Spectrum Sharing In the Real World
SPARKIE EEL advances dynamic spectrum sharing through long-duration field experimentation,
enabling radio astronomy facilities and spectrum research sites to coexist with other radio
services — without harmful interference.
Sept ’24 – Sept ’28
Institutions
Duration
National Radio Dynamic Zones
The NSF National Radio Dynamic Zones (NRDZ) program advances
the use of dynamic spectrum sharing through extended field trials. The vision is to enhance
spectrum access for multiple facilities and applications by supporting at-scale research and
experimentation on systems that use or manage spectrum in innovative ways.
Engineering & Execution Lead
MITRE Corporation and Northeastern University lead the SPARKIE team — advancing spectrum
sharing through maturing software solutions and conducting field experiment campaigns that
generate scientific data and build stakeholder trust.
A key capability is the ability to utilize a digital spectrum twin in the management of the spectrum,
combining OpenZMS, RDZ-KIT, and distributed sensors so that transmitter and sensor deployments
can be analyzed, adapted, and reconfigured during active experiments while preserving
protection of radio astronomy incumbents.
- A
Radio astronomy — Demonstrate dynamic spectrum sharing between a radio astronomy facility and third-party terrestrial systems - B
Spectrum research — Demonstrate sharing between a spectrum research facility and third-party terrestrial systems - C
RDZ Toolkit — Release and support a Radio Dynamic Zone toolkit incorporating spectrum awareness algorithms and modular hardware for safe field tests
PY2 Mid-Year Update
The SPARKIE EEL team completed the first integrated RDZ-KIT field exercise at Hat Creek Radio Observatory
in November 2025 and is now preparing for Capstone A.
Completed
In Progress
Upcoming
Field Locations
Initial Experiments Complete
The Allen Telescope Array (ATA) serves as the radio astronomy incumbent.
Site of the November 2025 field exercise. Target site for Capstone A (Spring 2027).
Future Capstone B
the toolkit, processes, and lessons developed during Capstone A. The target is a more
complex, multi-system spectrum sharing environment. Target for Capstone B (Fall 2027).
Active Development
Digital spectrum twin modeling using OpenZMS and Sionna-based propagation simulation
to validate algorithms before field deployment.
Active Development
capabilities, software deployment, and data management workflows in preparation
for capstone experiments.
SPARKIE EEL Collaborators
MITRE-led team with six university subawardees spanning systems engineering, zone management, RF sensing, AI/ML, and radio astronomy expertise.
Capstone Experiments
The project’s primary outcome is the execution of two long-duration (3–4 month) Capstone
Experiments demonstrating real-world dynamic spectrum sharing at scale.
Capstone A Preliminary Design Review is targeted for Summer 2026.