A Comparative Survey on Flight Software Frameworks for ‘New Space’ Nanosatellite Missions

Abstract

Nanosatellite missions are becoming increasingly popular nowadays, especially because of their reduced cost. Therefore, many organizations are entering the space sector due to the paradigm shift caused by nanosatellites. Despite the reduced size of these spacecrafts, their Flight Software (FSW) complexity is not proportional to the satellite volume, thus creating a great barrier for the entrance of new players on the nanosatellite market. On the other side, there are some available frameworks that can provide mature FSW design approaches, implying in considerable reduction in software project timeframe and cost. This paper presents a comparative survey between six relevant flight software frameworks, compared according to commonly required ‘New Space’ criteria, and finally points out the most suitable one to the VCUB1 reference nanosatellite mission.

Design, development and testing of flight software for EIRSAT-1: a university-class CubeSat enabling astronomical research

“…These frameworks, some of which are reviewed in comparison studies by Refs. 37 and 42, aim to reduce project costs and development times through software reusability, similar to the approach driving the use of standardized COTS hardware. Alternative approaches to the use of frameworks include re-use of software that was previously developed in-house, use of open-source materials, such as code provided by the Libre Space Foundation, 43 and in-house development from scratch.…”

“…Using the FSDK allowed for more focus on the development of software for the mission’s payloads. Not all teams may face the same challenges, and many software development options are available and should be assessed early in a project to ensure that the correct approach is implemented from the outset 37 , 42 , 51 …”

“…Although CubeSats are much smaller than conventional spacecraft that are typically employed for astronomical research, the required flight software in many ways faces similar needs and challenges to that of larger missions-flight software complexity is not proportional to the satellite volume. 37 To implement this software in a way that is consistent with the low-cost, fast-paced CubeSat design philosophy, several platforms that assist the software development process (also known as frameworks) have been developed. Some examples are software development for larger missions, based on the heritage of previously successful NASA missions, but later adapted for Small/CubeSats.…”

SATLLA0: A Flight Software Platform for Aerospace and STEM Education

“…There are opensource frameworks for space projects developed by space agencies, universities, or commercial companies to serve as reference designs and encourage code reuse in their future projects (Jamie et al, 2017). These frameworks have not yet gained significant adoption outside of their host organizations (Miranda et al, 2019) for the following reasons:…”

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Nanosatellites are becoming a preferred platform for testing innovative technologies and conducting academic research in space. Flight Software (FSW) is a software program that operates on a processor embedded within the satellite structure (Miranda et al, 2019). It assumes the crucial responsibility of managing various aspects of satellite operations, including activity control, data processing, and ensuring satellite health and safety.

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