CubeSat flight software : insights and a case study

Tools

Eshaq, Mohammed and Zitouni, M. Sami and Atalla, Shadi and Al-Mansoori, Saeed and Macdonald, Malcolm (2025) CubeSat flight software : insights and a case study. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. ISSN 0022-4650 (https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A35882)

[thumbnail of Eshaq-etal-JSR-2024-CubeSat-flight-software-insights-and-a-case]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Eshaq-etal-JSR-2024-CubeSat-flight-software-insights-and-a-case.pdf
Accepted Author Manuscript
License: Strathprints license 1.0
Download (1MB)| Preview

Abstract

The development of efficient flight software (FSW) for CubeSats faces significant challenges due to lack of mainstream guidelines and frameworks. Addressing the challenge of developing such FSW within the ever evolving yet stringent hardware constraints forms the core of this study. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of FSW specifications, development challenges, and proposes a novel approach to software design that maximizes functionality while adhering to hardware limitations. It begins by scrutinizing current trends in CubeSat FSW, emphasizing the significance of modularity and reusability for successful, adaptable, and repeatable space missions. Drawing from a diverse array of literature sources, various aspects of CubeSat FSW is explored, encompassing design methodologies, subsystems, mission applications, reliability, fault tolerance, testing, validation, and communication. Subsequently, a case study is introduced featuring an app-based FSW solution tailored for a 12U CubeSat with a 5G Internet-of-Things payload and green propulsion. This case study incorporates insights from the literature review, featuring a service-oriented. The FSW solution includes a user-friendly command line interface for efficient onboard and ground communication, a script engine for timely in-orbit execution and payload control, and a bootloader for in-mission updates, enhancing adaptability and future readiness. The analysis and case study reaffirm the pivotal role of robust and efficient flight software in mission success, while underscoring the need for freely available, modular, and reusable solutions to foster innovation in the field, ultimately reducing reliance on commercial products or continual redevelopment.

ORCID iDs

Eshaq, Mohammed ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5793-8687, Zitouni, M. Sami, Atalla, Shadi, Al-Mansoori, Saeed and Macdonald, Malcolm ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4499-4281;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)