Software-Only Front-End Processors for Satellite Command and Control

ABSTRACT: The development of software front-ends with enhanced capabilities is critical to affordable satellite missions. New space vehicles, even small satellites, are significantly more capable than their predecessors. Concepts like disaggregation and hosted payloads are driving mission timelines to new extremes. Gone are the days of 10-year development cycles. New ground systems need to support quick turn programs and multiple missions. They need to be agile and allow for field modification of ground system resources. Software-based front-end processors and T&C applications are a key part of this transformation. Combining a software-based FEP with basic T&C capabilities, in a user-configurable, low cost platform becomes a game changer. BENEFIT: The creation of an integrated software-based FEP and T&C system has wide applicability in the ground satcom, satellite bus test and data acquisition markets for both government and commercial customers. We also foresee incredible potential in the CubeSat, hosted Payload, test, and launch domains. These require agile, light weight ground systems that are user modifiable. These systems lower both initial and life-cycle costs in each market. As these systems evolve to support new or expanded missions the functionality can be adapted quickly by non-programmer personnel.