Low-Cost, Low Mass Avionics System for a Dedicated Nano-Satellite Launch Vehicle

Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc is currently developing a platform independent Nano-Launch Vehicle (NLV) avionics system by modifying and optimizing existing CubeSat products for use with this new class of launch vehicle. Previous work on a Phase I SBIR through NASA's Launch Services Program helped lay the foundation for the architecture, where key trades in Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and wireless communication protocols were evaluated. A recently awarded Phase II SBIR will fund the hardware and software elements to TRL 7. Tyvak is a team member on the NASA Launch Services Enabling eXploration & Technology (NEXT) program to demonstrate an orbital flight in 2016. The inherent modularity of the architecture provides a growth path towards an Automated Flight Safety System (AFSS) using CubeSat class electronics. The design allows electronics re-use, while providing straightforward tailoring for the particular launch vehicle application. This approach provides significant savings in avionics mass, and reduces cost through common hardware elements, and reduction in range assets. This paper covers the avionics architecture, and discusses the approach used for tailoring the avionics to the particular vehicle for mass and reliability optimization.