Computer systems for space exploration must work fault free throughout an entire mission, despite the extreme conditions encountered up there. On July 1, 2016, the third phase of the “OBC-SA” (On- Board Computer System Architecture) project commenced. Together with Airbus DS, Sysgo AG, and SpaceTech Immenstaad (STI), Fraunhofer FOKUS is developing an open, modular, and secure system architecture for future space computers. The aim of the third phase is to further the development of a technology demonstrator – designed during the second phase – into an engineering model for qualification.

Until now, space computers were constructed according to the principle of “one function = one computer,” in order to guarantee as low a risk of faults as possible. Due to the increasing demands on computer systems in space exploration, however, a new architectural principle is required. Fraunhofer FOKUS uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components in order to make use of the high computing capacity of modern multicore processors for space applications, and also to lower the costs of constructing spaceready high-performance computers. Airbus DS is developing, among other things, a highly reliable computer based on a radiation- resistant four-core processor, while STI is working on providing a compact, network- ready “remote data concentrator” unit. Sysgo AG is adapting the real-time operating system PikeOS, which is already certified in accordance with aviation standards (DO-178 B), to the safety-critical requirements of space exploration. The overall system, which is based on the future Space CompactPCI® serial standard, will have an optimum maturity level to allow problemfree transfer of the subsystems into a flight version qualified for use in space.