Automating software design and configuration for a small spacecraft

Abstract

The Open Prototype for Educational NanoSats (OPEN) is a framework for the development of low-cost spacecraft. It will allow users to build a 1-U (10 cm x 10 cm x 11 cm, 1.33 kg) CubeSat-class spacecraft with a parts budget of approximately $5,000. Work is underway to develop software to assist users in configuring the spacecraft and validating its compliance with integration and launch standards. Each prospective configuration requires a unique software configuration, combining pre-built modules for controlling base components, custom control software for custom developed and payload components and overall mission management and control software (which, itself will be a combination of standard components and mission specific control logic). This paper presents a system for automating standard component configuration and creating templates to facilitate the creation and integration of components that must be (or which the developer desires to be) custom-developed for the particular mission or spacecraft.