Engineering Demonstrator · TT&C Building Block v0.1

SatFactory makes
TT&C integration
repeatable

We package the spacecraft-side integration layer around S-band TT&C — interfaces, command/telemetry dictionaries, inhibit logic, EGSE software, flat-sat procedures, and verification evidence — so recurring LEO SmallSat missions configure and verify instead of rebuilding the work around the S-band TT&C RF path.

SPACECRAFT BUS OBC EPS ADCS PAY OBDH TT&C GROUND STATION LINK ESTABLISHED SATFACTORY BLOCK Repeatable TT&C integration layer ICD · CMD/TM · EGSE TEST PROC · VERIF MATRIX configurable mission interface package S-BAND LINK

Too much TT&C integration work is still treated as mission-specific

Across recurring LEO small satellite programmes, teams still repeat the same interface clarification, EGSE setup, command/telemetry mapping, inhibit verification, and evidence-generation work. SatFactory turns that repeated work into a reusable integration package.

ISSUE 01 / INTERFACE AMBIGUITY

Interfaces drift into AIT

Even when ICDs exist, mission-specific alignment often remains unresolved until AIT: message formats, connector assumptions, timing, inhibit polarity, and test procedures. SatFactory pushes those definitions into a controlled baseline early.

ISSUE 02 / VERIFICATION WORKLOAD

Verification artefacts are rebuilt or heavily adapted

Test procedures, acceptance matrices, and command/telemetry dictionaries are repeatedly adapted mission by mission. SatFactory packages them as version-controlled artefacts linked to the building block.

ISSUE 03 / INTEGRATION FRICTION

Recurring integration effort should become configuration

Connector mapping, power interface definition, inhibit logic verification, and EGSE configuration should not restart from zero for every recurring mission. SatFactory turns them into a repeatable configuration baseline.

A Repeatable TT&C Integration Building Block

SatFactory bundles hardware interface, software, ICD, EGSE, flat-sat procedures, and verification evidence into one repeatable integration element — built to reduce recurring engineering effort and prevent late interface definition from becoming an AIT delay.

TT&C BUILDING BLOCK v0.1 — ARCHITECTURE RF PATH (S-BAND) TRANSCEIVER ANTENNA I/F COTS / Partner-integrated hardware Uplink CMD · Downlink TM CONTROL BOARD CAN BUS RS-422 Primary spacecraft-bus interface Fallback / secondary interface POWER & INHIBIT I/F Regulated 3.3V / 5V power rails Inhibit line · Safe mode logic CMD/TM DICTIONARY Structured telemetry & command set Included ICD document package VERIFICATION & TEST PACKAGE EGSE SW TEST PROC VERIF MTX FLAT-SAT Aimed at reducing per-mission verification workload through repeatable test artefacts
RF

S-Band RF Integration Path

S-band TT&C RF path using COTS or partner-integrated transceiver hardware, with defined antenna interface and RF front-end wiring.

IF

Defined Spacecraft Bus Interfaces

CAN primary and RS-422 secondary/fallback data interfaces to the spacecraft bus, with a power and inhibit interface envelope included in the ICD package.

ICD

ICD & Command/Telemetry Dictionary

Structured Interface Control Document and defined CMD/TM dictionary — intended to reduce interface re-definition work at the start of each integration campaign.

VX

Verification-Oriented Architecture

EGSE ground test software, test procedures, and a verification matrix packaged with the building block — aimed at reducing per-mission verification workload for AIV teams.

FS

Flat-Sat Demonstration Logic

A flat-sat demonstration baseline is planned as part of the engineering model phase, providing a repeatable integration reference for downstream missions.

The Subsystem That Connects Everything — and Slows Down Integration

TT&C is present in nearly every LEO small satellite mission. Yet despite its recurring nature, too much of the integration work is still handled as mission-specific: RF interface alignment, EGSE scripts, command dictionaries, acceptance procedures, and verification evidence.

SatFactory's thesis is that TT&C is the highest-leverage starting point: it has well-understood functional requirements, a reasonably constrained first interface envelope, and direct dependency from mission-level verification milestones. A repeatable, documentation-complete TT&C building block can turn recurring AIT effort into configuration, scripted testing, and structured evidence generation.

S-band
Initial frequency range, commonly used in LEO small sat TT&C
CAN
Primary spacecraft-bus interface targeted in v0.1
EM
First product stage — Engineering Model / pretotype
ICD+
Full documentation package: ICD, CMD/TM, test procedures, evidence
RF PATH Antenna interface, cable harness, RF budget verification
BUS I/F CAN/RS-422 bus configuration, address mapping, timing
POWER Rail interface, inhibit logic, safe/arm state management
CMD/TM Command dictionary, telemetry mapping, FDIR integration
VERIF Test procedures, acceptance criteria, EGSE setup, review boards
DOCS ICD, test evidence, discrepancy reports, traceability matrix

Each of these touchpoints is typically addressed independently per mission. The SatFactory building block is designed to pre-define and package them as a repeatable artefact.

TT&C Building Block v0.1 — S-band Engineering Model

The first SatFactory product concept is an engineering demonstrator and pretotype. Its purpose is to turn the S-band TT&C interface envelope and verification baseline into a repeatable package that can later mature toward qualification.

Hardware Layer

RF & Electronic Hardware

  • S-band TT&C RF path — COTS or partner-integrated transceiver
  • Control / interface board with CAN and RS-422 transceivers
  • Power conversion and inhibit interface circuitry
  • Physical enclosure / mechanical mockup for integration discussions
  • Defined connector and harness interface envelope
Software & Firmware

On-board Software Elements

  • Basic command handling and telemetry reporting firmware baseline
  • CAN bus driver and protocol stack (primary interface)
  • RS-422 fallback communication handler
  • Safe mode / inhibit state machine
  • EGSE-compatible test mode and loopback diagnostics
Interface & Documentation

ICD & Command/Telemetry Package

  • Interface Control Document (ICD) — mechanical, electrical, data
  • Structured command dictionary with parameter definitions
  • Telemetry dictionary with engineering unit conversions
  • Power interface specification and inhibit logic description
  • Connector pinout and harness interface drawing
Verification Package

Test & Acceptance Artefacts

  • EGSE / ground test software for functional and performance testing
  • Test procedures for acceptance and integration verification
  • Verification matrix tracing requirements to test results
  • Flat-sat demonstration configuration and test sequence
  • Test evidence templates and discrepancy report baseline

ENGINEERING STATUS:   The TT&C Building Block v0.1 is an engineering demonstrator and pretotype. Its scope is integration architecture, interface definition, EGSE workflow, flat-sat logic, and verification evidence. Qualification, environmental testing, and flight acceptance are planned development steps, not current-stage claims.

From Pretotype to Validated Subsystem Architecture

SatFactory's roadmap is structured around progressive demonstration confidence — from interface definition through flat-sat validation toward a qualification-ready architecture.

CURRENT
Phase 0 — Pretotype

Interface Definition & Architecture Pretotype

Define the TT&C building block scope, interface envelope, and documentation structure. Build a physical mockup to support integration discussions. Engage early mission partners and potential customers. Develop the ICD and CMD/TM dictionary framework.

NEXT
Phase 1 — Engineering Model

S-Band Engineering Model & Flat-Sat Demonstration

Complete the hardware and software baseline for the S-band EM. Execute flat-sat demonstration to validate the command/telemetry dictionary and bus interface behaviour. Finalise EGSE software and test procedures. Capture verification evidence and iterate documentation.

PLANNED
Phase 2 — Qualification Baseline

Environmental Testing & Verification Campaign

Subject the EM to a relevant environmental test programme, such as thermal-vacuum and vibration where applicable, to characterise behaviour and establish a qualification baseline. Update the verification matrix with test results and maintain ECSS-style documentation discipline.

ROADMAP
Phase 3 — Mission Application

First Mission Integration Partnership

Integrate the validated TT&C building block into a real LEO small satellite mission as a flight model candidate. Collect integration feedback, measure recurring effort reduction versus baseline, and iterate toward a repeatable commercial product offering.

Put SatFactory on your next flat-sat.

SatFactory is building the repeatable TT&C integration layer that turns custom interface work into configuration, test execution, and evidence generation.

For recurring LEO SmallSat teams, the target is simple: fewer late interface surprises, faster bench readiness, and less repeated work around ICDs, CMD/TM dictionaries, EGSE setup, inhibit verification, and acceptance evidence.

Start a Pilot →
Interest
Flat-sat pilot · Mission partnership · AIT collaboration
Stage
Engineering demonstrator & pretotype — Europe-based