Modular Architecture for Robust Computing (MARC) for Spacecraft Avionics, Payload Processing and Data Handling
MARC is an innovative development by a UK space team to unify future spacecraft processing systems in order to provide a SpaceWire network based scalable, fault tolerant, high performance capability and robust system solution for Spacecraft data handling applications. The goal of the current development is to create an Elegant Breadboard (EBB) demonstrator for next generation spacecraft missions, with an architecture optimised at system level.
The applications for MARC are extremely broad, encompassing single spacecraft with modest instrument requirements to high data rate instruments mounted on multiple formation-flying spacecraft.
The project is currently in the detailed design, build and test phase for a demonstrator, which follows a flight compatible design. The elegant breadboard forms a test vehicle that includes multiple spacecraft and high-speed payload processing.
Applications
- science spacecraft data handling and payload processing avionics
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deep space missions requiring a high level of autonomy
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planetary robotic systems
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complex and/or multiple payloads