OreSat Processor Upgrade: Making Space More Programmable

Poster Image
Event poster; details follow in description
Poster Session
B
Poster Number
05
Project Author(s)
Savannah Bedford, Rose Edington, Ria Mahajan, Emily Snodgrass
Institution
Portland State University
Project Description

To enhance the accessibility of satellite software development for undergraduate computer science students, we propose upgrading the OreSat flight computer and software-intensive subsystems with microprocessors capable of running a standard operating system, such as Linux, and supporting Python programming. The current OreSat architecture relies heavily on microcontrollers running C on a real-time operating system, which presents a steep learning curve for students without prior embedded systems experience. By transitioning to the Octavo OSD3358-1G-ISM, a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, students will be able to develop and test software in a familiar Linux environment, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. This upgrade will allow students to log into the system remotely, write and debug code more efficiently, and work with modern development tools. At the same time, we aim to preserve OreSat’s hands-on, student-assembled PCB design philosophy, ensuring that hardware remains accessible for undergraduate teams. By making satellite software development more accessible, this project will broaden student participation in aerospace engineering, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and better prepare students for careers in embedded systems and space technology.

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