NanoSat MO Framework
| Company type | Open-source software platform |
|---|---|
| Industry | Space technology, Satellite software |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | European Space Agency, Graz University of Technology |
| Headquarters | Europe |
| Products | Software framework for small satellites, NMF SDK |
| Owner | European Space Agency |
| Website | github |
The NanoSat MO Framework (NMF) constitutes an open-source software platform tailored for small satellites, grounded in the principles of CCSDS Mission Operations services.
This framework facilitates the creation of spaceborne software Apps controllable from Earth, streamlining their development, dissemination, and implementation within satellite missions.
NMF supports satellite command and monitoring functions while offering software management capabilities that permit remote installation, removal, and upgrading of onboard Apps.
At present, the NanoSat MO Framework is actively deployed on ESA's OPS-SAT mission and is undergoing integration with ESA's Phi-Sat-2 mission.
History
The inception of the NanoSat MO Framework dates back to late 2014, initiated by the European Space Agency's objective to establish a unified software framework to enhance small satellite development and operational efficiency. Drawing inspiration from smartphone ecosystems, the project aimed to leverage CCSDS Mission Operations services to minimize deployment costs and timelines. This initiative was a collaborative effort between ESA and Graz University of Technology.
Over subsequent years, the framework matured through contributions from both industry stakeholders and academic partners, crafted to be modular and adaptable to diverse mission requirements. The initial open-source release occurred in 2017, making it accessible to the wider space community.
The framework’s maiden flight took place aboard ESA's OPS-SAT CubeSat, launched on December 18, 2019. Designed as a technology demonstrator for novel space systems, OPS-SAT validated NMF’s capabilities in deploying and executing onboard software Apps, interfacing with spacecraft systems and sensors, as well as managing data collection, storage, and transmission. This mission confirmed NMF’s proficiency in orchestrating space software operations.
In 2020, ESA selected the NanoSat MO Framework for its Phi-Sat-2 mission, which involves running Artificial Intelligence applications onboard for Earth Observation purposes. NMF facilitates AI App development, deployment processes, and lifecycle oversight.
Architecture specifications
Built upon the CCSDS Mission Operations services Architecture, the NanoSat MO Framework inherits characteristics such as transport protocol independence, support across multiple domains, and programming language neutrality. It also maintains platform independence concerning satellite hardware.
The architecture encompasses five categories of MO services: three standardized by CCSDS—COM services, Common services, Monitor and Control services—and two custom-designed interfaces: Platform services and Software Management services. Additionally, it provides Mission Planning services.
NMF is segmented into two primary parts: the Ground Segment (representing conventional spacecraft ground infrastructure) and the NanoSat Segment (the space segment optimized for small satellites). An NMF Composite denotes a software package composed of interconnected services intended for deployment within either segment. Adhering to Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles, these Composites promote service reusability and integration into complex solutions. Naming conventions follow the pattern <Segment> MO <Purpose>.
Established NMF Composites include:
- NanoSat MO Monolithic
- NanoSat MO Supervisor
- NanoSat MO Connector
- Ground MO Adapter
- Ground MO Proxy
These ready-made modules expedite the creation of interoperable software tailored for comprehensive mission scenarios.
An NMF App is defined as an onboard application developed using this framework. The incorporation of the NanoSat MO Connector allows these Apps to be launched, observed, halted, or terminated through the NanoSat MO Supervisor component.
Reference Implementation in Java
The reference implementation offers a concrete Java-based realization of the NanoSat MO Framework specifications. Created collaboratively by the European Space Agency and Graz University of Technology, it played a crucial role in uncovering interface inconsistencies and clarifying ambiguities. The initial stable release is available for public access.
Supporting development efforts, a Software Development Kit (SDK) accompanies the NanoSat MO Framework. Applications built with NMF are developed in Java (programming language) and depend on Apache Maven. Both the source code and official releases can be found on GitHub.
This Java-based implementation, maintained by the European Space Agency, is distributed as open-source software under the European Space Agency Public License and is openly accessible online.
NMF SDK
The NanoSat MO Framework Software Development Kit (NMF SDK) delivers essential tools and source materials designed to facilitate application creation within the framework.
Key elements include:
- Demonstrations for NMF Ground software
- Sample NMF Applications
- Consumer Test Tool (CTT)
- NMF Package Assembler utility
- NMF Playground featuring a satellite simulator
- Comprehensive documentation
The NMF SDK represents the primary toolkit for developers crafting applications on the NanoSat MO Framework.
Satellite Missions
Thanks to its modular and configurable design, the NanoSat MO Framework (NMF) supports customization across a variety of satellite missions and ensures interoperability among different platforms. Integration generally entails implementing Platform services, adapting the NanoSat MO Supervisor as required, and, when necessary, creating transport bindings to enable custom ground data communication.
Prominent missions employing the NMF include Phi-Sat-2 and OPS-SAT.
Phi-Sat-2
Phi-Sat-2, a project funded by the European Space Agency and developed by Open Cosmos, incorporates an onboard artificial intelligence processor dedicated to analyzing Earth imagery. This mission leverages the NMF to package AI software into deployable AI Apps, simplifying development workflows and allowing focus on scientific goals.
OPS-SAT
ESA’s CubeSat mission OPS-SAT, launched in December 2019, utilizes the NMF to validate its operation during flight and to showcase improved mission control capabilities enabled by advanced onboard computing power. Researchers employ the NMF SDK for swift software development that functions both on Earth and in orbit, supporting telemetry broadcasting, telecommand handling, and GPS data access.
Software Simulator
As part of the NMF SDK, the Software Simulator offers simulated data streams intended to aid application development and testing phases; however, it does not correspond to an actual space mission.
External links
- Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) at http://www.ccsds.org