Systems Engineering approach for a next generation modular satellite platform ‘Astrocore’

The Astrocore project is a strategic initiative by ISISPACE to develop a next-generation satellite avionics suite. It aims to meet the evolving demands of the small satellite market, with a scalable form factor from 6U up to small satellites under 250kg. The development effort is requirement based: User needs from 4 reference missions were identified which encompass expected business needs, including a high reliability platform for ESA’s Earth Observation program as well as secure satellite platforms for commercial and governmental institutions. A strong focus is set towards streamlining the manufacturing/production efficiency through Design for Manufacturing – DFM and AIT efforts on platform and system level.
The project’s technical approach emphasizes scalable and modular design, redundancy, and technology readiness level (TRL) advancement, targeting TRL 7 for all equipment. Key subsystems include Payload Data Handling System (PDHS), Electrical Power System (EPS), Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS), Command and Data Handling (CDHS), Telecommand, Telemetry & Control (TTC), and Thermal Control System (TCS).
The resulting avionics leverage the advantages of the NewSpace environment through a cost effective, modular, flexible architecture, enabling reduced development cycles while supporting standardization, scalability, performance and reliability demands in an evolving market.
ISISPACE will present the chosen engineering approach, the available platform products as well as the status of the integrated testing, while highlighting encountered challenges and Lessons Learned.