Space payload test system: A flexible SW suite for scientific data analysis in space missions

SpacePTS is a Payload Test System for on-board sensors (and components in general) designed and developed with a special attention to data analysis and scientific users' needs. It aims to bridge the gap between scientists developing the instruments and ground systems operators having to manage the mission as a whole. It has been built around a SW core able to accomplish to all system issues (from HW links to protocols, standard and databases management), enriched by a suite of plug-in modules able to extend the supported HW and the core functionalities, till to include complex monitoring capabilities. This paper describes how the SW suite has been designed within the experience of a scientific mission (the Solar Wind Analyser instrument suite on-board Solar Orbiter).