Development of nano-satellite real-time operating system

Development of small satellites has presented a great opportunity for research institutes to join space exploration. It has also allowed them to utilize their technical knowledge to showcase their skills to the world. Among all the subsystems that have been developed in these small satellites, on-board data handling system is one that plays a major role in satellite development as it is the heart of the entire satellite system. With thorough research done for each development stage accompanied by detailed reviews comparing with other nano-satellite projects, the author managed to finalize the prototype model of the on-board data handling subsystem of the nano-satellite. Detailed mission flow was finalized by utilizing a conventional procedure that would help to develop real-time systems. By the programming of data operation module, which governs the satellite operation, the author managed to transform the prototype model into the engineering module which in turn incorporates event driven functionality on safe mode operation and error free operation of the satellite. The report presents a detailed theoretical background, a step by step analysis of the design process, a detail discussion on the design and software development process for developing the nano-satellite mission flow of overall flight operating modes. The knowledge obtained from above will assist towards future development of Nanyang Technological University’s first nano-satellite project. This project would then provide a solid foundation with regards to the various approaches and methodologies that are used to develop the on-board data handling subsystem. The end of the report presents the authors’ conclusions and opinions on the future work on this project.Bachelor of Engineerin