Systematic testing approach for communicating software embedded in nanosatellites focusing on interoperability faults

Abstract

CubeSats, small standardized commercial satellites, have emerged as platforms for carrying scientific instruments and qualifying innovative technologies in space. However, the high mission failure rate during the launch and early orbit phase (LEOP) has drawn attention to insufficient testing in their development process. Unlike traditional satellites, the shortened project life cycle of CubeSat missions often limits verification and validation (V&V) activities. Traditional V&V approaches address interoperability issues late in development, leading to time-consuming rework when nonconformities are identified during system integration. This paper proposes a Scalable Architecture Test System (SATS) to support the verification of interoperability requirements of CubeSats’ embedded software early in development. Interoperability models for two communicating software components are specified, from which test cases are automatically derived and software codes are generated to be embedded in programmable boards connected to a CubeSat communication channel. This architecture supports test execution in a model-in-the-loop (MIL) concept to verify requirements and later validate the implementation, when real hardware replaces simulated models. The approach’s effectiveness in early detection of faults is demonstrated in the NanosatC-BR2 project developed at the National Institute of Space Research (INPE), allowing the correction of the specification of software components earlier in satellite development.