Space-qualified IBOX to control power management and system communications
Key Highlights:
- Modular, space-qualified I/O interface unit on unmanned Beresheet lunar lander
- Manages power and communications between main computer and critical systems
- Exceptional SWaP performance in an SFF (Small Form Factor) design
Chatsworth, Calif. March 2019 – Continuing to pioneer the use of embedded technologies in space, Aitech recently developed a modular I/O interface unit for the Israeli “Beresheet” (Genesis, meaning “In the beginning”) lunar lander, which launched late last month. The rugged, space-qualified A445 IBOX was designed to coordinate communications between the vessel’s control computer, actuators and sensors as well as manage power for the entire spacecraft.
Launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, Beresheet was created through the Israeli non-profit SpaceIL and is intended to land on the moon’s surface to perform experiments and transmit that data back to earth.
Dani Kord, General Manager for Aitech, noted, “To be a part of Israel’s first lunar voyage is quite an honor. This mission adds to our legacy of successful involvement in several space programs, which include the ISS, Curiosity Mars Rover and numerous other earth and lunar orbital satellites and subsystems.”
Aitech’s IBOX is designed to operate several critical functions of the lunar lander, such as switching and managing both solar and battery power distribution to the spacecraft’s subsystems and routing video from the craft’s cameras. It is also responsible for activating the engines, opening the landing gear and communicating data to and from the platform’s main mission computer and RF communications equipment.
In addition to its contributions to help Beresheet arrive at, and land on, the moon, the IBOX is also intended to facilitate the capture and transmission of research data and maintain reliable systems operation during the mission expedition.
The innovative FPGA-based design of the I/O interface unit enabled the engineering team to provide very specific functionality that meets the stringent SWaP (size, weight and power) requirements that is so critical in today’s – and future – unmanned space missions. Aitech’s extensive experience in radiation-tolerant environments ensured the system was built to withstand the harsh demands of interplanetary space travel and lunar operations.
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