Definition of the software architecture for the operations of small satellites based on pre-flight tests

CubeSats are increasing their importance in the Space Market. Introduced as educational platforms, they are now spreading in the industrial context. Given their reduced complexity, CubeSat platforms are characterized by a development time which is reduced by several factors with reference to “traditional” Space Missions. It would not be possible, in this context, to develop Space Segment and Ground Segment independently: one of the major implications is the fact that pre-flight tests are used both for Space Platform and Ground Systems validation. The philosophy is to ensure the real Ground Systems are connected with spacecraft hardware as soon as possible. The main purpose of this thesis is that of presenting an example of Ground Segment Software Architecture in the frame of Small Satellite Operations. In particular, the dissertation would report results obtained as part of Tyvak International s.r.l ground software team, during the activities of development, simulation and testing of the proprietary Ground Infrastructure. The focus would be centred on the core elements of Ground Architecture such as Operational Databases, Data Processing applications, Ground Station Controller applications and Operators Interface applications. In addition, the main tests marking the milestones of a CubeSat project development would be presented, together with the outcomes derived for Ground Segment development. Moreover, the ambit of Operations Simulation would be described, detailing the sessions designed in preparation of the launch activities of Tyvak-0092 satellite. In the last section a concept for an Educational Training Platform would be presented, whose realization would be focused on creating a simulation environment through which university students could approach the Space Operation world. Particularly, the design would reserve particular attention to all the aspects related to human factors and the science of ergonomics in order to optimize Operations outcomes. In conclusion, the main purpose of the document is to present all the aspects related to a real-case implementation of Ground Systems with a proper comparison with the actual state of the art and then to let the acquired knowledge flourish, with the design of a platform focused on the educational return, in order to pave the way for the spread of future spacecraft operators.