Study, implementation and validation of critic GNC embedded code

Design, implement and validate critical functions in the GNC (Guidance, navigation and control)/safety embedded systems of the launcher avionics devoted to nanosatellites This thesis is based on my work during my internship at GTD Sistemas de Información [from September 2017 to January 2018]. It can be divided into two parts. The first part is focused on the study, design, and implementation of critical functions devoted to the avionics of an air-born launch vehicle called ALTAIR. The second part consists of implementing these critical functions in embeddable code by means of innovative tools developed in the framework of project DEPARTS. ALTAIR (an acronym for “Air Launch Space Transportation using an Automated aircraft and an Innovative Rocket”) is a concept for a new European small satellite launcher. It is currently being developed by an international consortium as part of the European Commission H2020 program. ALTAIR is a low-cost and high frequency launch service. The constraints and requirements of this new scenario demand for automatic embedded algorithms related to functions that have traditionally been associated with Ground Segment. These functions, which are mainly related to GNC and Safety Systems, can be defined as critical software and demand new navigation approaches and architectures. This report focuses on the implementation of functions that are related to the GNC system of the launcher and that substitute traditional solutions to respond to the needs of ALTAIR. The choice of the optimal functions that will be implemented is based on a state-of-the-art study. The first implementation and analysis of the down-selected functions is performed with prototyping tools, and a trade-off is conducted to compare innovative solutions with traditional ones. The second part of the thesis is focused on the implementation of embedded critical software, based on the designed functions developed during the first part of the thesis. This is done with the innovative software solution for embedded critical systems SCADE. At the same time, the aim in DEPARTS is to validate the proposed functions through the defined use case. The thesis aims to be a study of new innovative alternatives for GNC and Safety systems for Space applications from two points of view. Innovation from the point of view of the used functions and how they relate to currently used options, and innovation from the point of view of its implementation and the procedures used to generate and validate critical embedded systems while complying with their constraints.