SUCHAI Flight Software v2

Mar 15, 2025 · 1 min read
SUCHAI Flight Software Architecture
projects

Overview

SUCHAI Flight Software v2 (SUCHAI FS v2) is a highly extensible, modular flight software framework developed for CubeSat nanosatellites and embedded space applications. Evolved from flight-proven software deployed on SUCHAI-1 (2017), SUCHAI-2 (2022), SUCHAI-3 (2022), PlantSat (2022), and SUCHAI-4 (2026). This framework enables rapid development of space missions with heterogeneous teams and multiple payload configurations.

Key Architecture & Technical Features

  • Command Processor Design Pattern: Decouples command handlers from core dispatchers, allowing developers to register new telecommands and internal routines without modifying core system logic.
  • Multi-OS Layer Support: Native abstraction layers supporting FreeRTOS for embedded microcontrollers (AVR32, ESP32) and GNU/Linux for embedded single-board computers (Raspberry Pi).
  • Communication Stack: Integrated with LibCSP (CubedOS Space Protocol) using CAN-bus and ZMQ interfaces for inter-subsystem and ground-station communication.
  • Flight Inheritance: Inherits field validation from 4 operational nanosatellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

People Involved & Collaborators

  • Maintainers:

    • Carlos Gonzalez-Cortes

  • Collaborating Institutions:

    • SCY-FI Lab (Computer Engineering Department, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH) and
    • SPEL (Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad de Chile) and

Links & Resources

Flight Software Nanosatellites CubeSat Embedded Systems FreeRTOS
Dr. Carlos Gonzalez-Cortes
Authors
Dr. Carlos Gonzalez-Cortes
Principal Investigator
Professor in the Computer Engineering Department at the University of Santiago of Chile (USACH). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Chile and has extensive experience in embedded systems, nanosatellites, and flight software. Previously, he developed the SUCHAI family and PlantSat nanosatellites at SPEL, and worked at the Flight Software Department of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Carlos is passionate about pushing the boundaries of distributed space systems and satellite flight software architectures.