Standard satellite data bus initiative

The Air Force Space Technology Center (AFSTC) has been charged with the management of programs to reduce satellite costs through the appropriate use of microelectronics standardization. Ongoing AFSTC technology programs such as the Standard Spacecraft Memory Module (SSMM) and Generic VHSIC Spaceborne Computer (GVSC) have provided an insight into the value and application of microelectronics standardization. Based on these insights, an initiative has been started to coordinate microelectronics development around a standard satellite data bus. Efforts are underway to determine satellite data bus requirements and benefits. Development of a data bus standard is expected to reduce costs by eliminating program and contractor unique interfaces, allowing increased production runs and developing generic test equipment. Current standard data bus efforts are focusing on the satellite housekeeping functions. Based on housekeeping data traffic requirements that has been developed, several data bus candidates exist for the standard data bus.<>