Development of IonSat flight software: ADCS - Palaiseau, France - Centre Spatial de l'Ecole Polytechnique

Description

Context of the internship :

The Space Center of École Polytechnique (CSEP), created in 2010, proposes and supervises space projects for École Polytechnique students. CSEP coordinates and brings together, through its projects, students, teacher-researchers, industrialists and French and European space agencies. It is financially and operationally supported by the education patronage program Espace, Science et Défis du Spatial led by Professor Pascal Chabert.
IonSat is a 6U nanosatellite project equipped with an electric propulsion engine, dedicated to demonstrating the feasibility of nanosatellite missions in Very Low Earth Orbit. With a strong educational vocation, the project is currently led by several students and supported by numerous space actors: start-up (ThrustMe), industries (Thalès Alenia Space), agencies (CNES, Onera). :

Vos missions

Internship description :

The objective of this internship is to participate in the development of the IonSat Flight Software (FS). This software is responsible for managing all the IonSat satellite platform subsystems and contributes to guarantee the proper functioning of the associated payload.
In concrete terms, the intern will work on the part of the FS concerning the attitude determination and control system of the satellite (ADCS). The intern will first perform communication tests between the onboard computer and the CubeSpace ADCS system of IonSat. Then, the intern will implement on the FS the functions that allow to pilot the CubeSpace subsystem, according to the different operating modes of the satellite. Particular attention will be paid to documentation, testing and validation.
Notions of software development and space systems engineering are appreciated

• The development, implementation, and validation of communications between the on-board computer (OBC) and the CubeSpace subsystem.

• The development, implementation, and validation of those functions that enable the use of the CubeSpace subsystem.

• Specify the data constraints, responsiveness with each component and functionality. Thus, precisely define the performance of the system (reactivity, throughput, data, etc.).

• Manage system errors and failures effectively with well-established scenarios and intelligent safety protocols.

The mission will focus on:

The intern will work with one full time engineer of the CSEP, and can use the help of the space team of the Laboratory of Plasmas Physics, specialized in conception of space-ready magnetometers and on-board electronics. There are also frequent contacts with experts from the French aerospace agencies (CNES, ONERA) and companies (Thalès Alenia Space, ThrustMe) partners of the IonSat Project

Vos compétences

Technical Requirements

• M1 or M2 level in informatics and programming, electrical engineering, or related domains.

• Experience in C/C++ programming.

• Knowledge in UNIX like systems.

• Knowledge in aerospace systems is a plus.

• Knowledge of communication buses (I2C, CAN, RS422, etc.).

• Experience on the Zynq Zybo Z7-10 target is a plus.

• Experience on the XtratuM hypervisor is a big plus.

Behavioural Requirements

• Self Motivation and autonomy.

• Communication and teamwork.

Internship duration: 4-6 months, from April/May 2024
If you are interested, send your CV and a cover letter, clearly indicating your motivation and availability dates.