The disruptive emergence of the NewSpace economy is leading the space sector towards solutions based on small satellites, and specifically on CubeSats. These satellites, modest in size, but less and less in their potential and effective commercial spin-offs, require ever greater autonomy and ability to operate in complex mission scenarios. The range of possible operation is diversifying and the demand for flexible and adaptable systems is rising. In this regard, all on-board systems must underly the standardization paradigm, cardinal principle behind CubeSats. The possibilities opening are endless: starting from mega-constellations for Earth Observation and telecommunication, up to advanced small probes for the exploration of remote celestial bodies.