Defining software flexibility in space systems

Roshanak Nilchiani, Daniel E. Hastings

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    1 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    On-board software is a vital element in the operation and functionality of a space system. The functional requirements of space systems can change over time, and unforeseen failures can affect systems performance, thereby necessitating modifications to the on-board software. It is thus important to know in how far the possibility of remote software upgrades can help the system to maintain its functionality in an uncertain environment, or even use the uncertainty to its advantage by adding or improving functionality. In this paper, the concept of software flexibility for space systems is defined and a measure for its evaluation is introduced. The flexibility measure is designed such that it can incorporate monetary as well as non-monetary changes in the systems performance. Subsequently, the values of software flexibility for the Deep Space One mission, and the Galileo mission are evaluated. The case studies show how existence of this relative quantitative measure for software flexibility allows decision-makers to assess the extent of software flexibility their space systems can exhibit in the face of uncertainty. The case studies also indicate that the flexibility of a space system depends significantly on the relative cost of substituting the entire space system versus the cost of upgrading software. Given the fact that remote software upgrades are often far less expensive than on-orbit servicing and upgrading of hardware components, it becomes clear that software flexibility could be used as a first choice in flexibility to the extent that hardware limitations permit.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition
    Pages375-386
    Number of pages12
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2004
    EventA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition - San Diego, CA, United States
    Duration: 28 Sep 200430 Sep 2004

    Publication series

    NameA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition
    Volume1

    Conference

    ConferenceA Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA Space 2004 Conference and Exposition
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CitySan Diego, CA
    Period28/09/0430/09/04

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