Computation in Low-Earth Orbit Satellite for Reliable Accessibility (CLEOSATRA)

The CLEOSATRA project aims to develop and deploy a computational platform aboard a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite designed to enhance reliability and accessibility in space-based processing. This senior design initiative addresses the increasing demand for computational autonomy in space systems, mitigating latency and dependence on terrestrial networks. The platform integrates radiation-hardened and fault-tolerant processing methodologies to ensure sustained operation in the harsh space environment. The primary technical challenge involves the effects of ionizing radiation on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computing hardware, necessitating robust shielding and error mitigation strategies. The team has conducted extensive radiation analysis based on predicted orbital flux using ESA's Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS) to model the total ionizing dose (TID) and single-event effects (SEE) in the target LEO environment [1]. Prior studies on radiation-hardened electronics guided the selection of computational components, incorporating redundancy and radiation-aware fault tolerance to balance performance with power efficiency constraints [2]. CLEOSATRA's design encompasses a comprehensive trade study evaluating power sources, mobility and attitude control, thermal regulation, and communication subsystems. A key innovation includes adaptive shielding using tungsten oxide conformal coatings to mitigate radiation effects while maintaining mass efficiency [3]. The thermal management system leverages deployable radiators to dissipate excess heat, ensuring optimal processor performance within operational limits [4]. The communications subsystem utilizes a UHF transceiver and LoRa-based telemetry for robust data downlink and command execution. The project methodology integrates analytical modeling, hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and iterative design validation. Preliminary results indicate that the proposed architecture effectively mitigates radiation-induced errors while maintaining computational throughput. The power management system, modeled on established CubeSat designs, ensures adequate energy storage and consumption throughout the mission [5]. Future work includes hardware testing in a controlled radiation environment and in-orbit validation of the deployed system. This paper presents the design, analysis, and manufacturing of a prototype for the CLEOSATRA mission, including mission objectives, system requirements, design implementation, and verification strategies. The findings contribute to the broader field of on-orbit computation, supporting future LEO missions requiring autonomous processing capabilities. [1] "NEUROMORPHIC COMPUTING FOR SPACE – Air Force Research Laboratory.” Retrieved 16 September 2024. https://afresearchlab.com/technology/nics [2] Keller, J., “The Evolving World of Radiation-Hardened Electronics,” Military Aerospace, Jun2018. Retrieved 2 September 2024. https://www.militaryaerospace.com/computers/article/16707204/the-evolvingworld-of-radiation-hardened-electronics [3] Milev, “Patent Awarded to Hayes and DeVanzo,” Department of Nuclear Engineering, Feb 06 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024. https://ne.ncsu.edu/news/2024/patent-awarded-to-hayes-and-devanzo/ [4] SOA-Summary-2023.Pdf, Feb. 2024, www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/soa-summary-2023.pdf?emrc=65d183eb08bed. [5] Shahat, M. K., and Yousef, A. M. E., “Satellite Orbit Design and Trade Study Analysis of a CubeSat Using STK.” https://iugrc.journals.ekb.eg/article3027005b24eb109548d78a5bea530d6ce1b6f8.pdf