Flight Computing Test Kit Study (CompKit-STUDY)

PURPOSE: The HPSC processor development is nearing completion, and there is considerable interest across NASA is infusing it into future missions.  NASA has also led a collaborative effort with industry and other agencies to develop an interoperable, modular, and standard SpaceVPX avionics architecture within the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) organizations.  To reduce risk for the infusion of a new processor into these missions there is a pressing need to prototype and demonstrate applications on flight-like avionics systems.  This flight-like system, referred to as the HPSC Test Kit, is comprised of a chassis, and HPSC single board computer, a power supply,  and other peripheral cards conforming to the SOSA standard.  This proposed 1-year seedling consists of two related thrusts.  First, an RFI will be developed to solicit from industry (a) potential HPSC Test Kit solutions and (b) bounds for cost and schedule.  This information will inform the development of an RFP for the HPSC Test Kits.  Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) form JPL and NASA will evaluate RFI responses and provide recommendations to JPL.  Based on these inputs, JPL will then prepare the HPSC Test Kit RFP.  Work will also continue by subject matters at NASA Centers and JPL on the development of card profiles within the SOSA Space Subcommittee  (S3C).  These profiles can then be referenced within an HPSC Test Kit RFP.  Note that the S3C effort is currently funded through mid-FY25 by NESC, funds within this study will extend that effort through the end of FY25.  Note that the S3C effort is currently funded through mid-FY25 by NESC, funds within this study will extend that effort through the end of FY25.

​NASA is seeking to spur the development of an industry wide ecosystem of standardized interoperable cards that can be used to implement complete spacecraft avionics systems based on the SOSA™ S3C profiles. To guarantee interoperability the SOSA™ Space Subcommittee, comprising members from NASA, USSF and industry, have been working on a spacecraft avionics standard derived from the VITA 78 (Space VPX) specification. Initial elements of the standard are documented in the recently released SOSA Standard Snapshot 3(see SOSA Space Appendix), which has garnered broad industry support. ​The development kit is part of a broader NASA effort to advance space-based computing through the Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA™) and its Space Subcommittee (S3C). The SOSA™ S3C aims to create a standardized and interoperable framework for space systems, encouraging collaboration among government agencies, industry, and academia to develop interoperable hardware and software solutions. This effort will support the creation of turn-key systems for testing, development, and flight, enabling more efficient and cost-effective space mission planning and execution​​.​

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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