Code 587 Technologies and Products

SpaceCube - Radiation Mitigation by Software

Principal Investigator (PI)

• Tom Flatley/Code 587
• Thomas.P.Flatley@nasa.gov

Description and Objectives

• Design and implement a software architecture and set of software mitigation techniques that can enable rad-tolerant commercial processors to function reliably in a space environment.
• Begin with non-critical applications
• Develop, test and deliver MISSE7* SpaceCube experiment

The SpaceCube Flight Processor is used for Radiation Mitigation Experiments on the International Space Station (ISS)

Technical Approach

• Implement baseline "science" application and RHBS* strategy
• Modify RNS* SpaceCube flight spare unit to meet NRL* MISSE7 interfaces
• Test and integrate experiment
• Launch to ISS* in November 2009
• Operate experiment for 2-5 years
• Upload/test new applications and mitigation strategies
• Partner with industry/university partners on new techniques
• * MISSE7: Materials International Space Station Experiment 7; RHBS: Radiation Hardened by Software; RNS: Relative Navigation System; NRL: Naval Research Laboratory; ISS: International Space Station;

Main Innovation(s)

• Commercial processing power in space
• Radiation hardened by software technology

Infusion Potential

• Earth Science Decadal Survey Missions
• Cross-cutting technology also for Planetary and Exploration systems