Exploring the Design of Distributed, Fault-Tolerant Computing for Nanosat Constellations
Researchers
DOCTORAL CANDIDATE
Bisma Sajid
SUPERVISORS
Assoc. Prof. Guthemberg Da Silva Silvestre
Dr. Nataliia Sergiienko
Research Areas
Computer science, Robotics, Electronics, Embedded systems
Project Brief
The recent deployment of an increasing number of nanosatellites in low-earth orbit (LEO) presents new opportunities for space applications. Built atop small-sized yet powerful blocks, known as CubeSats or simply nanosats, nanosats constellations emerge as promising platforms for massive sensing and large-scale distributed computing. Indeed, they represent a cheaper, competitive alternative for traditional satellite systems for a wide range of application domains such as earth observation and defence. However, the design of distributed, intelligent systems based on nanosats is particularly challenging: nanosats have more stringent physical limitations with respect to processing/networking capability, energy supply, and connectivity among nanosats. Therefore, this project aims at investigating distributed systems problems and propose specific solutions for dynamic reconfiguration mechanisms, consensus algorithms, and data replication schemes on nanosats systems.