The design of spacecraft on-board software

Abstract

This presentation deals with the way Space Systems and particularly Spacecraft On-Board Software are designed. I will try to show how the design of Space Systems is undergoing a shift from a seasoned-expert craft to a methodology based upon modelling. First, I will introduce Space Systems by presenting their applications and architecture. Then I will detail the design of such systems, insisting on systems and software aspects. Finally, I will describe some directions currently followed by CNES regarding modelling technologies. Among them, I will bring the notion of pre-proven business-specific refinement patterns to the forefront, as a possible (partial) solution to the reluctance to proof-based development methods in industry. David Chemouil works in the On-Board Software Office at the French Space Agency (CNES) in Toulouse. His activities include monitoring the development of On-Board Software contracted by CNES and carrying out R&D on Embedded Software Engineering. David Chemouil holds a PhD in Computer Science from Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse (2004).