Flight Software and Software-Driven Approaches to Small Satellite Networks

Abstract

There is a growing market for satellites that fall into the “Microsat” and “Nanosat” classifications. Many of these satellites are designed and manufactured by small groups such as in academia, startups, or small incubator teams inside larger organizations. These environments tend to be fast-paced and will likely eschew traditional aerospace life cycles and design paradigms in favor of rapid prototyping, consumer electronics parts, and even on-orbit testing. Microsats have somewhat different flight software implications and requirements than traditional satellites. This chapter discusses some of the flight software aspects of Microsats, along with design trades, processes, and the role of the flight software group in small organizations. Certain aspects of the flight software are called out for Microsats, including satellite safe modes, configuration updates, on-orbit software upgrades, and security. The flight software life cycle for Microsats is discussed in the context of a shifting and multiple-launch schedule. The intent of the chapter is to lay out guidelines for new flight software engineers such that while building out new Microsats, they also lay the groundwork for launching their product at scale.