Feasibility of using SA1100 processor in micro satellite environment

After SUNSAT was launched in 1999 and the possibility of developing another micro satellite emerged, areas of possible improvement were identified. Among the suggestions that emerged was the idea of developing an onboard computer for a micro satellite, using one of the new generation low power processors. The processor had to meet guideline specifications derived from the experience gained by researchers and students involved with the SUNSAT project. This paper reports on the process of choosing one of these processors, Intel´s StrongARM SA1100 and the subsequent testing of the feasibility of using it as an onboard computer. The feasibility test included comparing the processor´s specifications to those required and designing an evaluation board for this processor to test its ease of use and programmability.