SBIR/STTR
Radiation Hardened ARM Micro Controller Module, Phase I
Project Introduction
Every CubeSat design is different with different requirements. However the number of similarities between CubeSat designs is greater than between any two larger spacecraft. Leveraging these similarities and by applying a modular design approach we can develop a small family of motherboards that can fulfill the needs of any CubeSat mission. The computing elements of a 1-3U motherboard and a 6U motherboard are the same. The differences between these CubeSat bus architectures exist outside the computing element. Thus, we can move the computing elements off of the motherboard and into a self-contained Compute Module (CM). The CM contains all the elements needed for a self-contained computer. The CM is attached to an Application Specific Daughter Card (ASDC). Together the CM and ASDC provide the capabilities needed for a specific task. This standard module will consist of a physical form factor, electrical connections and design specifications for the ASDC. The initial Compute Module (CM) design specifications will utilize SST' modified ARM® Cortex®-M0 microcontroller, motherboard for the 1-3U and a 6U CubeSat bus configuration.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: As the CubeSat markets and their applications increase the need for similar components will continue to increase to keep these projects affordable. This proposal leverages the similarities in most CubeSats by applying a modular approach to the spacecraft main electronics, the motherboard. By designing this Compute Module (CM) approach NASA can fulfill the needs of any CubeSat mission. The real power of this modular design concept is in giving the engineer as many design options as possible with a single development environment. By providing a CM that is self-contained and has a standard interface, the engineer can add a radiation hardened, secure, and robust computation element to any subsystem or payload. This modular approach shall significantly reduce development time and increase reliability. Future deep space missions such as NASA's SIMPLEx or Biosentinal will not be capable without radiation hardened electronics such as these.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
| Silicon Space Technology Corporation | Supporting Organization | Industry | Austin, TX |
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigators:
- Scott Peterson
- David Gifford
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2015
End: Dec 2015
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 5 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 12 Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems and Manufacturing
- TA 12.1 Materials
- TA 12.1.4 Materials for Extreme Environments
Other / Cross-cutting:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.1 Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
- TA 8.1.2 Electronics
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