Accelerated X-in-the-loop Environment for Small Satellite Testing

Introduction

The New Space is expected to become the biggest industry in human history. In 2023, the global space economy was valued at about $500B. The number of space probes is bound to thrive, yet their growth is unsustainable: developing spacecraft autonomy is paramount to remove the costs and limits of human-in-the-loop operation activities.

Challenges in Spacecraft Development

However, developing resilient autonomous technologies requires extensive empirical testing in representative environmental conditions, and access-to-space costs are still prohibitive.

AXESS Platform Overview

AXESS offers a web-based Testing-as-a-Service platform dedicated to spacecraft systems and technologies. Erected over the EXTREMA Simulation Hub, AXESS provides an integrated testing environment in which high-fidelity, X-in-the-loop experiments of space systems are performed under a state-of-the-art accelerated framework.

Features of AXESS

Moreover, AXESS allows adopters to embrace a more flexible and agile CI/CD philosophy, enabling automated testing of space software, firmware, and IP core designs on modules and testbenches that are representative of real space technologies and hardware. Access to the platform will be granted through a web-based user interface, from which it will be possible to:

• Configure the automatic and manual test routines
• Monitor and control the ongoing testing activities in real-time
• Collect simulation logs and metrics

AXESS allows the users to carry out data-driven system design, debugging, and fine-tuning through all the phases of the system development lifecycle.

Project Pathway

The project follows a suitably devised pathway to cover technical validation activities and assessment of exploitation opportunities. AXESS has raised the interest of the leading sectoral players and space agencies, as witnessed by the letters of support attached.