Wind River, a California-based firm, announced today that the On-Board Computer (OBC) of the Astroscale ELSA-M Servicer spacecraft is controlled by VxWorks, their patented technology.
The press release issued by Wind River, a pioneer in intelligent system software, demonstrates their continuous dedication to assisting space missions’ special difficulties and complexity.
On the other hand, Astroscale develops innovative solutions to create sustainable space systems and mitigate the growing and hazardous debris buildup in space.
For instance, their End-of-Life service line (ELSA-M) provides a space debris solution to safely and responsibly capture and retire multiple satellites in one mission.
The ELSA-M servicer spacecraft utilizes flight heritage technology from the ELSA-d mission to support future satellite operators with compatible magnetic capture mechanisms like the Astroscale Docking Plate.
How Wind River’s VxWorks is Facilitating Astroscale’s Mission
The OBC enabled by Wind River’s VxWorks will ease the rendezvous between the client satellite and Astroscale’s servicer spacecraft.
VxWorks, renowned for its high performance, will enable computer vision processing for the ELSA-M mission’s command system.
This software’s reliability and precision are crucial for complex robotic operations during rendezvous between servicers and retired satellites.[1]
“Astroscale is addressing the hazardous matter of space debris, and we’re proud to help them advance their mission to develop sustainable space programs,” said Wind River’s chief product officer, Avijit Sinha.
“Our industry-leading technology demonstrates the continuing Wind River leadership in real-time software solutions for mission-critical systems. For decades, Wind River has successfully supported complex space missions and helped customers navigate the unique challenges of these programs,” Avijit added.
VxWorks offers deterministic high performance and a scalable, future-proof, safe, secure, and reliable operating environment for mission-critical computing systems.
Wind River’s proven software platform has led to significant space missions, enabling intelligent systems to reach space.
An in-orbit demonstration mission to capture an inactive satellite is expected to orbit in 2025, representing the first time a commercial active debris removal satellite accomplishes all operation phases with a full-sized, representative client satellite.
This mission is a collaboration between Astroscale, OneWeb, and the European Space Agency.
References
- Wind River Systems, ‘Wind River VxWorks Serves as Software Foundation for Astroscale Sustainable Space Systems’, 19 July 2023, https://www.windriver.com/news/press/news-20230719[↩]
