An Open Source Space Hypervisor For Small Satellites
Andrew Santangelo · AIAA SPACE 2013 Conference and Exposition · 2013
The QuickSAT/Xen using the ARLX extensions is a space hypervisor that will support the virtualization of satellite payloads, systems and software modules on a full range of small satellites including CubeSATs and MicroSATs. ARLX is a set of extensions implemented in version 4.3 of the open source Xen hypervisor utilizing robust automation tools to test and validate the security and related safety of this environment. ARLX implements the ARINC 653 partitioning standard, isolating applications running on the same platform and providing high levels of certified safety and security. QuickSATTM with the open source stepSATdb data architecture is a satellite design, mission planning, and product lifecycle management framework and environment. It is currently in use on the University NanoSat Program, at AFRL and at NASA research centers. In this paper we will discuss QuickSAT, Xen and ARLX and how they are integrated to create a space based hypervisor with virtual payload definition tools and event scheduler.