Utilizing Low-Cost Linux Micro-Computer & Android Phone Solutions on Cube-Satellites

Abstract

Realizing functional space systems using flight-tested components is problematic in developing economies, as such components are costly for most institutions to sponsor. The B.Sc. project, Subsystems for 2nd Iteration Cairo University Cube-Satellite, addresses technology demonstration using commercially available electronics and low cost computing platforms, such as Android phones and Raspberry Pi Linux micro-computer as computing hardware. As for software, the project makes use of open-source modules and locally developed code to implement needed functionalities, in addition to a mechanism to operate a virtual desktop Linux OS in parallel to an Android application. The paper aims to demonstrate the significance, operation design, and problem solving of such approaches. The paper concludes with future prospects for improving upon the proposed computing systems