The on-board software architecture and distributed testbed of micro-satellite clusters

Purpose - The micro-satellite clusters have been discussed for several years, however, there is not a common framework about its software, and various researches distributed at different domains. In order to conduct the future work well, the purpose of this paper is to systematically describe micro-satellite clusters' characteristics, clusters software model, and present a distributed testbed to shorten test process, and minimize the development cost. Design/methodology/approach - The cluster characteristics and model is summarized through analyzing the past satellite cluster programs. Then the ground test system is designed to shorten micro-satellite's development period, improve its reliability. Findings - The clusters' characteristics are discussed, such as coverage, scalability, fault tolerance, low cost, etc. The clusters' data flow and on-board software architecture are presented according to properties of clusters. Finally, the distributed testbed that focuses on future on-board software and hardware technologies that aim to rapid design, build, integration, test, deployment, and operation of the future micro-satellite is designed. Originality/value - The presentation of software architecture of cluster member can improve the micro-satellite's development, and the distributed testbed can improve the ground test efficiency, especially, when the micro-satellite quantity is big.