Advanced System Software for the SC 603E Spacecraft Computer, 10-9183
Printer Friendly VersionPrincipal Investigators
Ronnie L. Killough
Michael K. McLelland
Inclusive Dates: 03/01/00 - 12/20/01
Background - For almost 18 years, the Institute has been a developer of spacecraft avionics systems. To date, SwRI-developed spacecraft avionics systems have flown on more than 40 missions without a single on-orbit failure. SwRI has developed the next-generation spacecraft computer, dubbed the SC 603E, based on the PowerPC 603E architecture. To continue to be successful in this arena, SwRI must respond to two emerging trends. First, the performance requirements for commercial and scientific space missions are becoming more demanding as mission complexity increases. Second, NASA administrator Daniel Goldin has established "better-faster-cheaper" as NASA's new motto. To remove the inherent conflict between these two trends, NASA has begun to push for Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) solutions, something that was historically not considered. Faster and cheaper development for software means building on top of an existing executive and capitalizing on software reuse. Because the software is now more complex and debugging more difficult, better means utilizing sophisticated development and test tools. These tools, traditionally obtainable only for use in PC and workstation-based ground applications, must now be made available for spacecraft flight software development. Because of the very popular and successful Mars Pathfinder mission, the VxWorks™ real-time operating system (RTOS) became a popular COTS selection in the space industry. To maximize the application potential of this latest generation spacecraft computer, SwRI is working to port the VxWorks™ operating system to the SC 603E. Through the Space Station Furnace Facility (SSFF), Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE), and other projects, SwRI has gained significant experience with VxWorks™ and in the design and development of system and application flight software.
Approach - The goal of this project is to develop a bootstrap program (BSP), a VxWorks™ BSP, and a complement of device drivers and utilities for the new SC 603E. Modifications to the hardware design needed to facilitate BSP integration and to enhance performance and commercial compatibility will be identified and implemented. Finally, the ability to utilize advanced COTS software debug and test tools will be demonstrated on the SC-603E after the BSP is complete.
Accomplishments - The VxWorks™ BSP has been successfully developed and has passed the BSP Validation Suite. A slave board containing an ethernet interface has been integrated, facilitating the use of sophisticated software debug and performance analysis tools over the high-speed interface. The software is being maintained in a laboratory that includes a UNIX workstation, VxWorks™ development and test tools, a VME rack, and a sophisticated logic analyzer. The project has been successfully completed.
