Universal COTS-Based SpaceVPX Payload Carrier for LEO Application

Abstract

This paper presents a concept of the universal COTS-based Payload Carrier for new a microsatellite platform designed in compliance with the SpaceVPX (VITA 78.0) standard. Card functionality can be extended by adding VITA 57.1 FMC Mezzanine cards and therefore cover a wide spectrum of applications, which can be prototyped on off-the-shelf FMC evaluation boards. Selected assumptions of the design, which originate from a minimum 2-year-long mission on LEO and the SpaceVPX standard, are described in the introduction. Further, they are followed by a detailed description of selected components and proposed software required for reliable operation in the space environment. Finally, examples of applications such as communication data link layer processor implemented according to CCSDS standard, DSP processor for Software-Defined-Radio, and interface for dedicated payload computer are described.