Modular Rapid Response Spacecraft Integration Using an Open Standard Network Architecture

The increasing emphasis on using smaller satellites for space experiments, technology demonstration, and operational systems by DoD, NASA, and private industry has given rise to increasing standardization of small-sat components and systems, resulting in reduced costs and acquisition time. However, because of inevitable trades between resources and capability, there remains a strong need for standardized architecture for implementing experiments requiring high computational and data acquisition throughput. Further, because there is frequently a need to integrate several experiments on a single satellite, modularization allows individual teams to develop its functions with less impact and reduced risk than for a highly-integrated experiment. In previous efforts, we defined a modularized architecture for a networked data acquisition and control system. On this project, we will mature these systems to the engineering unit level (form, fit and function of flight boards, without flight components). To assess the feasibility of the architecture, we will optimize the design for AFRL’s Deployable Structures Experiment space flight experiment.