Creating standardized electronic data sheets for applications and devices

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) continues to develop infrastructure to enable the modular construction of satellites using an open network architecture and off-the-shelf avionics for space systems. Recent efforts have included the refinement of an ontology to formalize a standard language for the exchange of data and commands between components, including hardware and software, which is still evolving. AFRL is also focusing effort on creating standard interfaces using electronic data sheets based on this recently defined ontology. This paper will describe the development of standard interfaces that are documented in terms of an electronic datasheet for a specific application. The datasheet will identify the standard interfaces between hardware devices and software applications that are needed for a specific satellite function, in this case, a spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) application for Sun pointing. Finally, the benefits of using standardized interfaces will be discussed.