Onboard data handling (OBDH) refers to the processing, storage, and transmission of data on a spacecraft or satellite. OBDH systems are responsible for managing the flow of data within a spacecraft or satellite, as well as between the spacecraft or satellite and ground stations or other communication links.
OBDH systems typically include a range of hardware and software components, such as processors, memory, storage devices, and communication equipment. These components work together to perform tasks such as:
- Collecting and storing data from the spacecraft's sensors and instruments.
- Processing and analyzing the data, either onboard or on the ground.
- Transmitting the data to ground stations or other communication links.
- Storing the data for future reference or analysis.
OBDH systems play a critical role in the operation of a spacecraft or satellite, as they enable the spacecraft or satellite to collect and transmit a wide range of data, including scientific data, telemetry, and telecommands. OBDH systems must be highly reliable and robust, in order to ensure the integrity and availability of the data being collected and transmitted.
The specific architecture of an onboard data handling (OBDH) system will depend on the requirements of the spacecraft or satellite and the type of data being collected and transmitted.
Here is an example of a general OBDH architecture:
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Sensors and instruments: The spacecraft or satellite is equipped with a range of sensors and instruments that collect data about the environment or the spacecraft's own operation. These may include sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, or radiation, as well as cameras, spectrometers, or other scientific instruments.
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Data acquisition system: The data acquisition system is responsible for collecting data from the sensors and instruments and storing it in a form that can be processed and transmitted. This may involve formatting the data according to a specific protocol, such as the CCSDS Protocols, and storing it in a local memory or storage device.
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Onboard processor: The onboard processor is a central computing unit that is responsible for processing and analyzing the data collected by the sensors and instruments. The processor may run software applications that perform tasks such as data analysis, image processing, or command and control.
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Data storage: The spacecraft or satellite is equipped with one or more data storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, to store data for future reference or analysis. The data storage system may also include mechanisms for backing up and archiving data, to ensure that the data is not lost in the event of a hardware failure or other issue.
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Communication system: The communication system is responsible for transmitting data from the spacecraft or satellite to ground stations or other communication links. This may involve using antennas and other equipment to establish a radio or laser link with a ground station, and encoding and formatting the data according to a specific protocol, such as the CCSDS Protocols.
This is just one example of an OBDH architecture. The specific architecture of an OBDH system will depend on the requirements of the spacecraft or satellite and the type of data being collected and transmitted.
