Reference Architecture

The Reference Architecture (REFA) provides the framework to all LibreCube projects. It ensures compatible interfaces, coherent designs and a modular architecture.

A typical mission scenario consists of the top level segments shown here:

The Remote Segment is the satellite, drone, rover, or other vehicles that carry out the mission goals. The mission goals could be defined as taking images of Earth, collecting samples from unchartered places, or delivering supplies to remote locations. The LibreCube REFA defines modular system elements, such as power modules, structures, and communication systems that can be (re)used to build various kinds of vehicles.

The Ground Segment does the monitoring and control of the remote assets, in accordance with the mission goals. It comprises all the elements for interfacing to the remote segment, processing of information, and data distribution. The LibreCube REFA defines the building blocks for typical ground applications.

The flow is data is passing through a stack of Communication Protocols that cover the layers of the Open Systems Interconnection model. The naming convention is to speak of "return link" for data from remote to ground (typically telemetry data), and of "forward link" for data from ground to remote (typically telecommands).

The system elements of the REFA can be structured in a hierarchical tree:

Remote Segment
    - 10 Payload (Instruments and Actuators)
        - Remote Sensing
        - Manipulators
        - ...
    - 20 Platform
        - 21 Structure
        - 22 Power
        - 23 Communication
        - 24 Thermal
        - 25 Processing
        - 26 Navigation
        - 27 Propulsion
        - 28 Motion
        - 29 Onboard Software
    - 30 Support Equipment
        - 31 Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE)
        - 32 Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE)
        - 33 Software Ground Support Equipment (SGSE)
Ground Segment
    - 40 Ground Station System
        - 41 Antenna System
        - 42 Station System
    - 50 Network System
    - 60 Mission Operations System
        - 61 Mission Control System
        - 62 Automation System
        - 63 Mission Planning System
        - 64 Mission Preparation and Support
        - 65 Data Archive and Dissemination
        - 66 Simulator