Robust Software Development for University-Built Satellites

TL;DR

This paper discusses a robust software development approach for university-built satellites, emphasizing the use of the BIP framework for simulation, testing, and improving software reliability in small satellite projects.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of the BIP framework to satellite software development, including simulation and testing methods tailored for CubeSats.

Findings

Successful implementation of BIP-based simulation in CubeSat project

Enhanced software testing and validation processes

Lessons learned for future satellite software development

Abstract

Satellites and other complex systems now become more and more software dependent. Even nanosatellites have complexity that can be compared to scientific instruments launched to Mars. COTS components and subsystems may now be purchased to support payload development. On the contrary, the software has to be adapted to the new payload and, consequently, hardware architecture selected for the satellite. There is not a rigorous and robust way to design software for CubeSats or small satellites yet. In this paper, we will briefly review some existing systems and present our approach, which based on Behaviour-Interaction-Priority (BIP) framework. We will describe our experience in implementing fight software simulation and testing in the Swiss CubETH CubeSat project. We will conclude with lessons learned and future utilization of BIP for hardware testing and simulation.