The SpIRIT Payload Management System: A paradigm for smallsats multi payload integration

The increase of ambitions, capabilities and sophistication of small satellite missions highlights the need for efficient payload management to accelerate mission readiness and mitigate risks introduced by system complexities. In this paper we present the architecture for an adaptable instrument control unit designed to interconnect platform and payloads and simplify integration and operation processes. This aims to create a flexible environment for payload designers, enabling them to focus development time on their domain-specific objectives, while the instrument control unit handles the overarching integration, communication, and operational management. We demonstrate the concept of this novel Payload Management System (PMS) as implemented from design to operations in orbit in the SpIRIT nanosatellite mission, launched in December 2023. On SpIRIT, PMS efficiently handles electrical and electronic interfaces between the satellite platform and five diverse payloads developed by four independent stakeholders: a gamma and x-ray telescope, a thermal management system based on a Stirling cycle cooler, a Graphic Processing Unit based edge computing and multi-camera module, an electric propulsion thruster, and an S-band transceiver. The PMS electrical power distribution system includes a supercapacitor bank to supply emergency power to critical payloads. In-orbit performance of this novel functionality is presented and compared to ground tests. PMS contributed to an accelerated development cycle for the mission, and demonstrates the potential for such approach to be replicated in the growing number of nanosatellites equipped with multiple payloads. • A novel Payload Management System (PMS) for nanosatellite integration. • Simplifies payload-platform interfaces to reduce development time and costs. • Enables flexible payload operations with modular power and data handling. • Demonstrated on the SpIRIT mission with diverse scientific payloads. • PMS enhances multi-payload nanosatellite capabilities for complex missions.