// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Flight Software
Flight software is the specialized computer program that runs on a spacecraft, controlling its systems, instruments, and operations. It's essential for the spacecraft to function autonomously.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Flight Software (FSW) is the embedded, mission-critical software residing on a spacecraft's onboard computers, responsible for autonomous control of vehicle subsystems, instrument operations, data handling, and communication with ground systems.
BACKGROUND
Seung Jo Kim is a South Korean aerospace engineer, academic, and technology entrepreneur. He is a Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University and the founder of the space technology company SpaceD. Kim served as the 9th President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) from 2011 to 2014, where he managed key national aerospace projects including the successful launch of South Korea's first space launch vehicle, Naro-1 (KSLV-I), as well as the KOMPSAT-3 and KOMPSAT-5 satellites. His research and professional work focus on integrating aerospace systems engineering with high-performance parallel supercomputing, advancing the "New Space" economy, and developing space datacenter technologies.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Onboard Software
- Spacecraft Software
- Avionics Software
- Embedded Software
USAGE NOTE
Rigorous testing of flight software is crucial before launch to prevent in-space anomalies.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Flight Software.
Develops highly advanced, autonomous flight software for its Falcon family of rockets, Starship, and Dragon spacecraft for launch, in-space maneuvers, and re-entry operations.
Numerous NASA centers (e.g., JPL, JSC, GSFC) develop critical flight software for a wide range of missions, including Mars rovers, deep-space probes, Earth observation satellites, and human spacecraft like Orion.
A prime contractor for many spacecraft, satellites, and defense systems, with extensive in-house development of flight software for guidance, navigation, control, and mission operations.
Develops flight software for its New Shepard suborbital vehicle, New Glenn orbital rocket, lunar landers, and other future space systems, covering all phases of flight and operations.
Develops sophisticated flight software for its extensive portfolio of space systems, including satellites, launch vehicles, and major observatory programs like the James Webb Space Telescope.
A leading European space company developing flight software for its various satellite platforms (telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation) and contributions to launch vehicles like Ariane.
Develops proprietary flight software for its Electron small satellite launch vehicle, Photon satellite bus, and future Neutron rocket, managing all aspects of launch and in-orbit operations.
Develops flight software for its Starliner crew capsule, various satellite programs, and other aerospace platforms, focusing on safety-critical and high-reliability applications.
Through its various technology development programs and mission directorates, ESA leads and contributes to the creation of advanced flight software for scientific, Earth observation, and exploration missions.