The Deep Impact flight software architecture

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has developed an Advanced SPacecraft ElectroNics (ASPEN) Flight Software architecture using industry best practices that promote high quality, adaptable flight software. Design best practices such as architectural abstraction layers, modular software, task-based applications, and message-based communication have all contributed to this flexible and reusable flight system. Developmental best practices such as daily builds and automated regression tests have also played a part in the success of the ASPEN Flight Software. This paper provides details on how these best practices were incorporated into the ASPEN Flight Software and used on Deep Impact and subsequent missions currently in development at Ball Aerospace.