Spin-in of RISC-V Processors in Space Embedded Systems

The usage of terrestrial processors in space applications is not straightforward, as processors in space face unique challenges due to the effects of the space environment, like ionizing radiation causing Single Event Effects (SEEs). In the nineties, the European Space Agency chose the Scalable Processor ARChitecture (SPARC) Instruction Set...

Bi-modal solar thermal propulsion and power system: Modelling and optimisation for the next-generation of small satellites

Exploring and utilising space to benefit humankind is undeniably a costly venture where the higher the mass of the satellite, the higher the cost to launch. However, the rewards of space-related achievements are indisputable. These achievements range from increasing our understanding of the universe using satellites, such as the Hubble Space...

Agent-based architectures supporting fault-tolerance in small satellites

Since the launch of the first artificial satellite in October 1957, both satellite computers and their onboard software have changed significantly to integrate more functionalities and making mission operations more reliable. As a result, satellites have become more sophisticated and mission designers have moved functionality from the ground...

Enhanced Distributed Space Systems with Miniature Spacecraft: Spatial Distribution, Collision Analysis and Cooperative Communication

The repertoire of words in the English language to refer to groups of animals is quite fascinating to say the least – a congregation of alligators, an army of ants, a troop of baboons, a pride of lions, a train of camels, a destruction of cats, an intrusion of cockroaches, a mob of emus, a plague of insects, a drift of pigs, and so on. The...