Flight Software Development for Space Missions

Onboard software

Onboard software solutions made in Germany

tenics specialises in the development of control software and payload for satellites and subsystems.

Flight software engineering –
360 degree space expertise from tenics

“Robust and durable flight software begins with targeted planning that clearly defines the requirements and includes a realistic time and budget plan.

We support our customers from setup and detailed process planning through development to validation and verification of their flight software.”

Christian Westendorf, flight software expert at tenics

Arrange an online introductory meeting

Benefits

Why go for flight software by tenics?

Extensive experience in flight software engineering

We have successfully launched numerous projects for ESA, DLR, and commercial missions in both New Space and traditional spaceflight. We incorporate our expertise from both fields into our work, thus we combine the best of both worlds.
We combine quality and an agile way of working

tenics creates brilliant flight software products that stay within budget and on schedule.
We combine lean processes with high product quality. Our team works either according to ECSS principles or plans the development of flight software using our own streamlined processes. We develop subsystems such as thermal control and payload control, as well as data buses like CANopen, Deterministic Ethernet, RS-485 and Spacewire.
Experts for flight software certifications

We navigate mission-critical space projects through established and streamlined quality assurance processes in accordance with ECSS, DO-178C, and other standards. We handle process definition, requirements engineering, software development and testing, validation, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HiL), verification and static code analysis.
Safety first! Technical reliability for the highest demands in the field of flight software.

High availability, failure detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR), redundancy, and in-orbit software updates play a particularly important role in mission-critical control systems and satellite software. We develop subsystems such as thermal control and payload control, data buses such as CANopen, Deterministic Ethernet, RS-485 and Spacewire. we also have extensive experience with established processors like LEON as well as newer processors like ARM and RISC-V.

Services & tools

Our services related to flight software

System / Software architecture and interface design (onboard)
Real-time and scheduler components
Driver development for sensors / actuators / bus connections
Payload control logic (Payload Controller Software)
Onboard data processing (preprocessing, compression, data reduction)
Fault detection and recovery (FDIR)
Bootloader / firmware updates via radio
Recovery strategies and fallbacks
Simulation and emulation (software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop)
Verification / validation, test automation
Documentation, qualification and certification
Maintenance / upgrades and on-orbit updates

We bring technology and process expertise

RTOS such as RTEMS or Embedded Linux
Bus protocols, programming languages
Tools and platforms (e.g. simulation frameworks, test automation, continuous integration)
Quality assurance, code reviews, metrics, tools (e.g. static analysis)
Agile / iterative methods, transparency and measurability
Collaboration with hardware teams (integration with FPGA, ASIC, sensors, etc.)

Insights

Flight Software projects by tenics

Development of the central payload control of an onboard software

For a commercial, international satellite constellation, we are developing part of the onboard software, taking over the complete lifecycle from requirements engineering and FDIR, definition, through software architecture and design up to validation and verification.

Interfaces to the Data Downlink Unit and RCS for an ESA mission

For a scientific ESA mission within the Copernicus Programme, tenics developed parts of the Flights software, specifically the interfaces to the Data Downlink Unit and the Reaction Control System (RCS). Here, too, we were responsible for requirements engineering, design, development, unit testing, validation and verification.

Contact

Exciting project? – Let’s get in touch.

Christian Westendorf

Contact person for flight software

Arrange an online introductory meeting

christian.westendorf@tenics.de

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flight software for space

What are the requirements for flight software?

Specific requirements in the field of flight software include, for example, real-time behavior, fault tolerance, deterministic behavior, fault detection and recovery, resource restrictions and compliance with standards.

Which programming languages / RTOS are typically used in flight software development?

The programming language we use to develop flight software depends on the client project. We primarily use C, C++, and Rust.

How does tenics ensure verification and validation?

We perform verification and validation using methods such as test automation, simulation (SIL, HIL), code reviews, coverage analysis, and error simulation.

Can tenics integrate existing hardware stacks / bus protocols?

Yes, we can. The integration of sensors, actuators, bus protocols (e.g. SpaceWire, CAN, TTEthernet, etc.) is one of our core competencies.

Does tenics operate according to standards such as ECSS or DO-178C?

Yes, we consider and adapt standards within the project context. Whether it always has to be the entire process or a leaner quality management approach is also suitable in a commercial environment, that is something we should discuss face to face.

How do we start a collaboration on a flight software project?

In an initial consultation and, if necessary, a workshop, we will clarify the technical and scheduling requirements. Following this, we will develop a proposed solution and a concrete offer.