SAVOIR File management System

The main objective of the project is to yield a reference implementation of an on-board File Management System (FMS) library compliant with SAVOIR data storage requirements. The project’s goals also include the implementation of a data storage simulator, sample applications, a test and demonstration environment, and a representative flight hardware platform.

The main task of the file management system is to provide a standardized interface between the file system and file-based on-board software services, such as the CCSDS File Delivery Protocol or the ST Service[23] defined in ECSS-E-ST-70-41C (PUS-C). The FMS will enable the management of files stored locally in on-board memory, and remotely on separate storage systems. The SAVOIR-compliant FMS implementation will support various types of non-volatile and volatile onboard memory and can be integrated with selected file system implementations, depending on mission needs.

SAVOIR, or Space AVionics Open Interface aRchitecture, is an initiative being developed by the European Space Agency, established to standardize and unify the avionics architecture of space vehicles to, among other things, ensure interoperability between space systems. SAVOIR specifications describe the requirements of the avionics architecture and the underlying components that comprise it. One of the SAVOIR standards is the Data Storage System Requirement Document describing requirements for onboard data storage systems, including file management.

As part of the SAVOIR File Management System project, N7 Space will develop and test a file management system that complies with SAVOIR requirements for file handling and storage on a representative engineering model of a space onboard computer. The project will also develop a simulator for the various memory architectures used in flight electronics (NAND, NOR etc.) and an EGSE (Electronic Ground Segment Equipment) computer. The FMS will be developed following ECSS requirements for critical software.

The software produced in the project will be made available by ESA under an open-source license, significantly lowering barriers for software reuse by third parties.

Disclaimer: This work performed during this project was carried out under a programme of, and funded by, the European Space Agency. The views expressed here can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.