PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The project develops a secure and versatile Payload Controller Unit (PCU) that processes real-time telecommunication data without delay. It integrate with satellite components, such as the payload radio frequency (RF) and memory units, ensuring seamless data flow. The PCU support third-party applications for tasks like blockchain tagging, Quantum Key Distribution for encryption, and AI-data analysis to detect data gap.
One of the project objectives is to provide a System designed to be resilient and secure. The system supports remote software management, ensuring that new applications or updates of the old ones do not interfere with ongoing satellite operations, guaranteeing the flexibility and scalability needed for operational adaptability.
The goal is to provide satellite operators with a flexible, scalable, and secure payload controller that enhances operational capabilities via software-based upgrades, allowing for continuous improvement and enhanced functionality over time.
Challenges
The key challenges of this project include ensuring real-time data processing without delays and managing the integration of third-party applications with minimal disruption.
Maintaining secure and reliable communication and data storage is essential, especially for incorporating advanced features like quantum key distribution and AI data analysis.
The hardware must be able to handle high processing capabilities and data storage efficiently, with a system flexible enough to support software updates and new applications without interrupting satellite operations and be resilient and versatile to allow multiple users to develop applications without causing conflicts.
System Architecture
MA61C for payloads:
A processing unit, with capabilities of handling high data rates transfers between payloads, storage units, onboard computer and other communication systems, that can also host applications through local and remote reprogramming of its onboard software. Each application can have direct access to the data and create additional data stream of manipulated data without changing the original data stream.
Plan
The project is divided in three main work packages:
- System engineering: a feasibility study, analysing of use cases and example mission and consolidation of mission/system inputs and derivation of system requirements;
- System concept definition: architecture, hardware, software, interfaces, operation and application;
- Evaluation and identification of technologies.
- Performance evaluation;
- Costs estimation;
- Risk assessment;
- Identification of technology needed to support modular system;
- Next Phase Roadmap definition.
Current Status
A System Requirements Review (SRR) has been completed and a webinar has been performed with the industry and ESA.