Session
Weekend Poster Session 2
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
With the advent of open source small satellite software, as well as space-grade Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, the barrier to entry for new and educational missions has been greatly reduced.
Case studies are now available on space programs currently utilizing some, or solely open source components, with documented challenges and opportunities.
Of particular interest is NASA’s open source flight software, F Prime, well suited for small satellites and systems. By analyzing and spotlighting trends in mission development, features can be preemptively developed by the community at large, and promote greater collaboration among spacefaring institutions.
A free, open web platform to serve as a resource for the small satellite community, with compatibility checking and an intuitive way to share in-progress builds for review could accelerate development. To prevent bias, industry manufacturers could be consulted for public part specifications, and the majority of data could come solely from flight heritage and retrospectives.
Distinguishing features of this resource should include support for decentralization, international licensing considerations, flight heritage, ground station capabilities, hardware and software compatibilities, and open source availability for ongoing support.
Additionally, a professional network could be fostered to support new ties between industry and academia, allowing for a longer term vision of talent development.
Small Sat Stack A New Era of Open Source Missions
Utah State University, Logan, UT
With the advent of open source small satellite software, as well as space-grade Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, the barrier to entry for new and educational missions has been greatly reduced.
Case studies are now available on space programs currently utilizing some, or solely open source components, with documented challenges and opportunities.
Of particular interest is NASA’s open source flight software, F Prime, well suited for small satellites and systems. By analyzing and spotlighting trends in mission development, features can be preemptively developed by the community at large, and promote greater collaboration among spacefaring institutions.
A free, open web platform to serve as a resource for the small satellite community, with compatibility checking and an intuitive way to share in-progress builds for review could accelerate development. To prevent bias, industry manufacturers could be consulted for public part specifications, and the majority of data could come solely from flight heritage and retrospectives.
Distinguishing features of this resource should include support for decentralization, international licensing considerations, flight heritage, ground station capabilities, hardware and software compatibilities, and open source availability for ongoing support.
Additionally, a professional network could be fostered to support new ties between industry and academia, allowing for a longer term vision of talent development.
