Utilizing Low-Cost Linux Micro-Computer & Android Phone Solutions on Cube-Satellites

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how affordable, off-the-shelf Linux micro-computers and Android phones can be used in Cube-Satellites to reduce costs and facilitate technology demonstration in developing economies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of integrating low-cost Linux micro-computers and Android phones in Cube-Satellites using open-source software and local development, enabling accessible space technology.

Findings

Successful implementation of low-cost computing hardware in Cube-Satellites.

Use of open-source software for satellite subsystem functionalities.

Potential for cost reduction and increased accessibility in space systems.

Abstract

Realizing functional space systems using flight-tested components is problematic in developing economies, as such components are costly for most institutions to sponsor. The B.Sc. project, Subsystems for 2nd Iteration Cairo University Cube-Satellite, addresses technology demonstration using commercially available electronics and low cost computing platforms, such as Android phones and Raspberry Pi Linux micro-computer as computing hardware. As for software, the project makes use of open-source modules and locally developed code to implement needed functionalities, in addition to a mechanism to operate a virtual desktop Linux OS in parallel to an Android application. The paper aims to demonstrate the significance, operation design, and problem solving of such approaches. The paper concludes with future prospects for improving upon the proposed computing systems