PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383264
PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383264
Satellite onboard computers, also known as satellite flight computers or satellite avionics systems, are critical components of satellites that control and manage the satellite's various functions and operations while in orbit. These computers are in charge of running onboard software, processing data, controlling subsystems, and communicating with ground stations. Here are some important features of satellite onboard computers:
Onboard computers on satellites run specialized software programs that control the satellite's operations. Attitude and orbit control, payload data processing, communication protocols, and power management are all included in this software. The onboard computer ensures that these software tasks are completed on time.Satellite onboard computers process and store data collected by the satellite's various sensors and instruments.
They handle data compression, filtering, encryption, and storage management. The processed data is then sent to the ground station or used to make decisions on board.
The satellite's onboard computers receive commands from the ground station and interpret them to perform specific tasks. These commands may include changes to the satellite's attitude, payload operations, or operational mode changes. The onboard computer communicates with various subsystems to carry out the commands. The satellite's attitude (orientation) and orbit are controlled by onboard computers. They take input from attitude determination sensors and use control algorithms to adjust the satellite's orientation or perform orbit maneuvers to ensure proper positioning and alignment with desired targets or orbits.
Satellite onboard computers monitor and manage the satellite's power system. They regulate power distribution to various subsystems, manage battery charging and discharging, and ensure efficient power usage to meet the satellite's operational requirements. Onboard computers serve as communication interfaces with the ground station and other satellites. They manage data transmission and reception, error correction and encoding, and communication session scheduling. Radiofrequency (RF) transceivers, modems, and other communication protocols are examples of interfaces.
To detect anomalies or malfunctions in satellite subsystems, onboard computers include fault detection mechanisms. They use error-checking and fault-tolerant algorithms to reduce the impact of failures and, if necessary, initiate recovery procedures.In the event of system anomalies, this ensures that the satellite can continue operations or enter a safe mode. Satellite onboard computers are built to withstand the harsh space environment, including the effects of radiation. They use radiation-hardened components and error detection and correction techniques to reduce the impact of radiation-induced errors on computer operation and data integrity.