| The work described in this thesis summarizes the author's contributions to the design, development, and testing of embedded systems for SFL spacecraft. The unique environment of space and the constraints it imposes on embedded systems is described, and the testing methodologies employed to qualify spacecraft hardware for this environment are presented. The implementation of an automated functional test framework for SFL's Generic Nanosatellite Bus satellites and the role it plays in the spacecraft development cycle is also discussed. Application software and device drivers in support of the BRITE mission were designed and developed. Finally, a controller was implemented for thermal control of the BRITE optical instrument. These contributions play an important role in the continual efforts to expand access to space and to prove the feasibility of the microspace approach in doing so. |
