Duration: 18 months
Development, test and On-orbit Assembly of Large Space Structures requires set of dedicated robotic tools (robotic arms, grippers and specialized end-efectors), sensors (cameras, lidars, RFID like technology and other), universal interfaces (cargo docking points and robotic tools ports) and elements of space logistic (local transporters, modular space pallets). All of those building blocks shall be connected in one robust network - allowing safe data and commands transfer for supervised autonomy execution of advanced assembly tasks. The currently considered backbone of this foreseen network is Space Ethernet Time Sensitive Network (TSN). The proposed idea is to develop an Intelligent TSN Interfaces Aggregator - a device able to aggregate network traffic from several standards popular in the space industry like: MIL-STD-1553, CAN, SpaceWire, RS-485 . Aggregates traffic from multiple devices of different interface technologies and protocols and mixed criticality (e.g. control signals ,avionics, health-status, monitoring cameras, etc. “downlink”). The link carrying the aggregated traffic (“uplink”, towards or from the onboard computer) is Ethernet with TSN protocols links. The link is redundant, intended to be connected to different independent switches, using TSN-based redundancy (IEEE 802.1CB). Proposed device will have some additional, “intelligent” functions, beyond mere aggregation, like adding data processing and network monitoring . There are two business scenarios for this device employment related to LATTICE. In firsts one the Interface Agregator is going to allow rapid validation of robotic setups without necessity to costly re engineering of several devices interfaces during ground tests. In second one the Agregator brings necessary flexibility for the TNS network deployed on LEO during Large Space Structures assembly
