A Multi-Mission, Integrated Avionics Module for Short-Duration MDA Applications

"For missions deploying maneuverable vehicles for Boost-Phase and Space-Based Intercept, as well as refueling and resupply for SBIRS Low and Space-Based Laser, MDA requires a compact, highly versatile avionics core with a design that can be reused at verylow cost for a variety of missions. Leveraging previous work, AeroAstro and the University of Alabama Huntsville propose to develop a flexible, capable, and inexpensive multi-mission core avionics module that will serve as a common core for a variety ofshort-duration missions. This core will be highly flexible and re-useable for multiple mission designs. While varying MDA applications require unique spacecraft solutions, there are many similarities in basic avionics requirements that can be leveragedfor a significant overall cost savings.Conventional design is heavily biased toward long-lifetime, solar-powered missions with high power and complex control schemes. Similarly, conventional design is effected in two discrete parts: a payload system, and a support system ("bus"). Althoughthis functional partitioning of tasks should provide a foundation for efficient system design, the physical constraints inherent in spacecraft often force a structural interdependence that minimizes these advantages. This project will eliminate thereliance on a custom bus approach. AeroAstro and UAH believe there is a strong demand for this low-cost, flexible spacecraft electronics module, both within the government and in non-government organizations. The types of applications this development will benefit can be broken up intothree main categories. The first category includes technology demonstration missions. These missions are generally budget limited and require only a limited time in space to demonstrate the performance of the device - these two factors make technologydemonstration missions perfect candidates for the proposed technology. The second category includes Space Station deployables. There are a number of experiments for which the Space Station is an ideal launch platform but a poor e