Space Responsiveness à la Carte

  • Published
  • By Eva Blaylock
  • Space Vehicles
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  In the ongoing pursuit of operationally responsive space technologies, Air Force Research Laboratory scientists created the first miniature plug-and-play Appliqué Sensor Interface Module. The mini module, Space Plug-and-Play Avionics-1, is an ultracompact, ultra-low-power protocol that supports the many different PnP component types that do not require the existing, high-bandwidth capabilities of SPA-U (USB) or SPA-S (spacewire).

As a modular approach to creating complex systems--ORS satellite systems, in this case--PnP encompasses both hardware and software components. It also includes the standards in place for the use and interaction of these elements. In conjunction with government, industry, and academic partners, AFRL created the SPA framework as its self-imposed regulatory
(i.e., standards) system for rapidly developing and implementing spacecraft via PnP. In addition to facilitating quick-turnaround PnP satellite systems, SPA also provides considerable cost advantages over traditionally constructed PnPSats, fully supporting à la carte assembly of intricate sensor and actuator configurations and, further, accommodating both network expansions and modifications. While SPA-U is based on the established USB (version 1.1) interface standard and supports 12 Mbps data transport, SPA-S is a European Space Agency standard that accommodates even higher data transport rates (to date up to 625 Mbps) via spacewire link.

As a forerunner to its breakthrough mini module, AFRL created the original ASIM as another facet of a standardized approach to ORS. Dubbed the "universal translator," it provides sensor and control communication over a SPA channel using either lower-speed or higher-speed protocol. The technology is applicable both to the design of new equipment and to the adaptation of existing equipment. Now, pending arrival of the miniature version's in-house-designed development board, the 8 x 8 mm form factor ASIM will undergo testing. This work effort is part of the international collaboration between AFRL and FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, or Försvarets materielverk).