The on‐board software architecture and distributed testbed of micro‐satellite clusters

Abstract

Purpose

The micro‐satellite clusters have been discussed for several years, however, there is not a common framework about its software, and various researches distributed at different domains. In order to conduct the future work well, the purpose of this paper is to systematically describe micro‐satellite clusters' characteristics, clusters software model, and present a distributed testbed to shorten test process, and minimize the development cost.

Design/methodology/approach

The cluster characteristics and model is summarized through analyzing the past satellite cluster programs. Then the ground test system is designed to shorten micro‐satellite's development period, improve its reliability.

Findings

The clusters' characteristics are discussed, such as coverage, scalability, fault tolerance, low cost, etc. The clusters' data flow and on‐board software architecture are presented according to properties of clusters. Finally, the distributed testbed that focuses on future on‐board software and hardware technologies that aim to rapid design, build, integration, test, deployment, and operation of the future micro‐satellite is designed.

Originality/value

The presentation of software architecture of cluster member can improve the micro‐satellite's development, and the distributed testbed can improve the ground test efficiency, especially, when the micro‐satellite quantity is big.

Citation

Xiande, W., Hui, L. and Zhaowei, S. (2009), "The on‐board software architecture and distributed testbed of micro‐satellite clusters", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 3, pp. 234-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660910954745