Information Processing and Digital Communications in a Modular Satellite

Modular satellites have gained popularity lately. Typically, they comprise an onboard computer and many subsystems that continuously communicate via specific protocols and exchange information. The satellite also communicates with the Ground Station upon contact. The onboard computer manages all information processing and digital communication. This work describes the types of data and the protocols that govern communications within a modular satellite and communication with the Ground Station. We also focus on the implementation of CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP) over Controller Area Network (CAN) and CSP over Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI).