An enabling technology platform, the Payload Interface Unit (PIU) is a simple, straight forward secure payload processor design that can service a variety of payloads and operate across virtually any orbit. The PIU design uses low-power electronics, low-mass structure and packaging, economical components and simple architecture to provide a highly capable interface unit. The PIU incorporates industry-standard digital interface(s) for both the payload and the Host Spacecraft and will be designed for standard spacecraft bus voltage. The PIU supports on-orbit operation in any Earth orbit, including Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit, Highly Elliptical Orbit, and Geostationary Earth Orbit. The PIU architecture is capable of both embedding the payload data into the Host Spacecraft command and telemetry stream, or a dedicated communication link. This paper describes the implementation of the PIU, opportunities for further efficiency gains, and potential future capability growth.
Implementation of a Payload Interface Unit for Agnostic Space Vehicles
2019-03-01
930421 byte
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
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