Session
Weekday Poster Session 3
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Loft Orbital's vision is to provide the fastest, simplest, and most reliable access to space for small satellite-class missions. Loft achieves this vision with a turnkey solution that implements the hardware and software solutions required to get a mission to orbit in months, not years. A key contributor to the success of Loft's vision is integrated systems testing in the hardware in the loop (HIL) environment.
Traditionally, HIL systems are designed and operated with one mission in mind. This means that for each new mission in which the architecture changes, a new HIL system needs to be created or an existing system needs to be altered. When resource contention inevitably occurs between users and begins to slow progress, the simplest resolution is to duplicate test setups to increase the quantity of test resources. This approach, however, is not ideal for speed or cost. Loft solves this problem by employing unique methods and technologies to reach an optimal solution.
Loft's HIL testing methodology differs significantly from the majority of the industry in two primary disciplines: automation and resource sharing.
This paper discusses the implementation of these technologies, other modern day DevOps practices, as well as their impact on software development efficiencies, ease of use, and system reliability. Employing these technologies allows Loft to react at an unprecedented speed to new missions and customers which ultimately provides a faster, more reliable, and simpler path to space.
Loft Orbital's Approach to Rapid System Verification and Test
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Loft Orbital's vision is to provide the fastest, simplest, and most reliable access to space for small satellite-class missions. Loft achieves this vision with a turnkey solution that implements the hardware and software solutions required to get a mission to orbit in months, not years. A key contributor to the success of Loft's vision is integrated systems testing in the hardware in the loop (HIL) environment.
Traditionally, HIL systems are designed and operated with one mission in mind. This means that for each new mission in which the architecture changes, a new HIL system needs to be created or an existing system needs to be altered. When resource contention inevitably occurs between users and begins to slow progress, the simplest resolution is to duplicate test setups to increase the quantity of test resources. This approach, however, is not ideal for speed or cost. Loft solves this problem by employing unique methods and technologies to reach an optimal solution.
Loft's HIL testing methodology differs significantly from the majority of the industry in two primary disciplines: automation and resource sharing.
This paper discusses the implementation of these technologies, other modern day DevOps practices, as well as their impact on software development efficiencies, ease of use, and system reliability. Employing these technologies allows Loft to react at an unprecedented speed to new missions and customers which ultimately provides a faster, more reliable, and simpler path to space.
