Invited keynote address: ESA developments for on-board data systems

Summary form only given. On-board data systems and data handling electronics are in constant evolution, due to the obsolescence of components and indeed to the need of increasing their performances. They follow ground technology trends, often at a slower pace, such as the ones allowing easier and faster integration by reusing building blocks. This is well reflected by on-board platform and payload computers that become not only more compact and more powerful but also more versatile. In parallel, high speed links and on-board networks (e.g. SpaceWire, SpaceFibre, and Ethernet) are now widely used. They complement or even replace more conventional command and control busses (e.g. Mil1553). On the same line, sensor links and busses (e.g. SPI, I2C, CAN) are being adapted to space use. Another interesting evolution is related to file based mass-memories (e.g. non-volatile) allowing data to be easily stored on-board and retrieved by applications through standardised services and protocols. These facilities are extended to new concepts including file based operations. On the basis of future missions for which adaptively are an enabling requirement, the presentation addresses ESA´s approach for streamlining the development of Data Systems. Starting from reference architectures, the concept of Space Avionics Open Interface Architecture (SAVOIR) is then detailed. Then the definition of generic specifications for key units such as On-Board Computers and Remote Terminal Units are addressed together with some implementation options. Finally, functions and features supporting an adaptive behaviour of the sub-system during definition, development and operations are presented.