AROBS Engineering Takes Lead Role in Space Rider Project Software Verification and Validation

AROBS Engineering Takes Lead Role in Space Rider Project Software Verification and Validation
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 20, 2023

The Romanian software services company, AROBS Engineering, part of AROBS Group, has been announced as the primary industrial partner and consortium leader for the software verification and validation of Europe's first reusable space transportation system, Space Rider. This project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), is expected to revolutionize access to low orbit.

Space Rider's central aim is to establish an affordable, independent, and reusable integrated space transportation system, facilitating regular access and return journeys from low orbit. AROBS Engineering's crucial role involves overseeing the project's technical specifications, architecture, code development, and testing systems validation, ensuring that the platform will be able to deliver the objectives it has been designed to achieve.

AROBS, in collaboration with its partners, is set to conduct essential quality assurance procedures on the Space Rider's Central Software modules for both the AVUM Orbital Module (AOM) and the Re-entry Module (RM). These components play a vital role in the functionality of the Space Rider, and their successful operation will be instrumental in the project's success.

The Space Rider Reentry Module is designed for repeated use, with plans to refurbish it after each landing. The engineering behind this module allows for at least five re-flights, each with an approximate duration of two months. The module boasts an environmentally controlled cargo bay, capable of carrying up to 600 kg of payload. The maiden voyage of the Space Rider is slated for the end of 2024.

Space Rider is designed with a wide range of applications in mind. It's anticipated that it will provide opportunities for free-flying applications such as conducting microgravity experiments in the areas of pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, biology, and physical science. Additionally, it offers possibilities for in-orbit technology demonstrations and validations for exploration and earth observation applications, such as robotics and instrumentation. Space Rider can also cater to other fields like earth science and telecommunications. Further, it holds potential for surveillance applications, including earth disaster monitoring and satellite inspection.

AROBS Engineering, a veteran in the field of aerospace with over two decades of experience, will be responsible for the delivery of custom software development for the Space Rider project. Their profound understanding of networking technology will contribute significantly to future advancements in Avionics and Aerospace Systems.

AROBS Engineering has also recently announced its participation as an industrial partner with ClearSpace and the European Space Agency (ESA) in delivering an embedded software solution for the ClearSpace-1 program. In 2020, ESA commissioned ClearSpace to develop a mission to rendezvous with and capture a large piece of debris in orbit and then guide the object safely into Earth's atmosphere. This effort reflects AROBS Engineering's broader commitment to advancing technology in aerospace and making a difference in the field.