Session
Technical Session VII: University Student Competition
Abstract
A single-board computer system created specifically to meet the demands of a new generation of small satellite missions is being designed, built and tested by students at the University of New Hampshire. The Satellite Single-Board Computer (SSBC) is an Intel 80C186 based system that is qualified for explicit use in low-earth orbit missions. The SSBC serves as a low-cost, high-quality alternative to commercially available systems which are usually very costly and designed for much harsher space environments. These "off-the-shelf' systems are normally out of price range for most very low-cost satellite projects. At the other end of the spectrum, however, are inexpensive commercial-quality computer boards that do not offer any space-hardened characteristics. These systems are typically not designed to survive the cosmic radiation and extreme temperature levels usually found in low-earth orbit. The SSBC fills in the gap between these two alternatives. It offers a flexible design that is based on the industry standard Intel x86 architecture. It can be used in a variety of applications where total dose radiation levels are of concern, but costs must be kept at a minimum. The production cost for a complete SSBC flight board is expected to be under $20,000.
Design of a Low-Cost Single-Board Computer System for Use In Low-Earth Orbit Small Satellite Missions
A single-board computer system created specifically to meet the demands of a new generation of small satellite missions is being designed, built and tested by students at the University of New Hampshire. The Satellite Single-Board Computer (SSBC) is an Intel 80C186 based system that is qualified for explicit use in low-earth orbit missions. The SSBC serves as a low-cost, high-quality alternative to commercially available systems which are usually very costly and designed for much harsher space environments. These "off-the-shelf' systems are normally out of price range for most very low-cost satellite projects. At the other end of the spectrum, however, are inexpensive commercial-quality computer boards that do not offer any space-hardened characteristics. These systems are typically not designed to survive the cosmic radiation and extreme temperature levels usually found in low-earth orbit. The SSBC fills in the gap between these two alternatives. It offers a flexible design that is based on the industry standard Intel x86 architecture. It can be used in a variety of applications where total dose radiation levels are of concern, but costs must be kept at a minimum. The production cost for a complete SSBC flight board is expected to be under $20,000.
