The development of an ARM-based OBC for a nanosatellite

[摘要] Next-generation nanosatellites are becoming a very cost effective solution togain access to space. Modern manufacturing technology together with lowpower low cost devices makes the development of nanosatellites, using standardindustrial components, very attractive. A typical nanosatellite will haveonly one microprocessor, capable of performing all the computing tasks onboardthe satellite - housekeeping, AODC (Attitude and Orbit Control) andinstructing the different payloads aboard the satellite.One of the major requirements was to choose a processor from a dominantmanufacturer in the market that will still be available for future satellitemissions. Just as the 8051 dominated the 8-bit market, the ARM7 processoris fast becoming a market leader in the segment for 16-bit applications.ARM processors has also been used much in handheld devices in recent years -which emphasize the low power requirements and stability of these processorsin embedded applications.This thesis investigates the different processors that are currently available.A complete system design is done, taking into account all the different modulesneeded onboard a very small Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. Finally, sometest results are given showing how this system can be reliably used onboard ananosatellite in future.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University