Update on Dependable Multiprocessor (DM) CubeSat technology development: ISS (International Space Station) flight experiments

Following the successful SMDC (Space and Missile Defense Command) TechSat F-cubed (Form, Fit, Function) demonstration in 2012, DM CubeSat technology development continued its path to space. In March 2013, Yosemite Space, formerly known as Advanced Materials Applications, LLC, and Honeywell Aerospace were awarded a CASIS (the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space) grant to perform both ground-based and space-based radiation testing of Gumstix™ COM (Compute-On-Module) modules. Ground-based proton testing of a variety of Gumstix modules has been completed. The space-based radiation testing and performance validation will be conducted as an ISS (International Space Station) National Laboratory flight experiment. Originally scheduled for launch in late 2014, the launch of the Gumstix flight experiment has been delayed to early 2015. In September 2014, Honeywell and Morehead State University (MSU) were awarded a CASIS grant to fly a DM (Dependable Multiprocessor) CubeSat payload processor as a 2015 ISS National Laboratory flight experiment. This ISS flight experiment will culminate with the TRL7 validation of DM CubeSat technology. Following a brief overview of DM and DM CubeSat technology, the paper discusses the two ISS flight experiments and other DM CubeSat-related developments.