Space Systems Software | CU Aerospace

Space Systems Software: Software for the Future

CUA has the capability to plan and analyze space missions.

Space systems for defense, commercial, and civilian applications are undergoing massive reconfiguration. The utilization of space by the Space Force is seen as a force multiplier in an era of reduced ground and air forces. Commercial space applications, primarily in communications, are on the verge of enormous growth. And NASA continues the development of space missions for studying the earth environment, the solar system, and the universe.

The need for new, highly efficient space systems will increase somewhat over the next several years, leading to more satellite systems and constellations in a variety of low earth orbits (LEO), medium earth orbits (MEO), and geo-stationary earth orbits (GEO).

CUA operates and in some instances licenses software for use in the aerospace industry. Proprietary computer software that can be used to solve practical spacecraft trajectory optimization problems that include high-thrust and low-thrust propulsion systems have been developed. Additionally, CUA has developed software for the optimization of modular spacecraft architectures.

CUA is currently developing multiple software packages:

Non-Linear Parallel Optimization (NLPAROPT)
CUA OpenMP Nonlinear Optimization Tool (COMPNOT)
Dynamically Leveraged Automated (N) Multibody (DyLAN) Trajectory Optimization Tool
Satellite Evolvable Tool for Expandability and Reconfiguration (SEPTER)

NLPAROPT

NLPAROPT is a cross-platform (Linux, macOS, Windows 10) C++ parallel optimization solver for non-linear programs (NLP) on distributed memory architecture systems.

COMPNOT

COMPNOT is a cross-platform (Linux, macOS, Windows 10) C++ parallel optimization solver for NLPs on shared memory computer architectures

DyLAN

DYLAN is a trajectory design optimization software aimed at dramatically enhancing spacecraft mission design capabilities in multiple gravitational body environments (e.g., cislunar). It enables a rapid development of complex trajectories with higher fidelity solutions in reduced computation time in comparison to extant approaches. This software package provides an automated process for searching the global trade space for families of optimal trajectory solutions, thereby significantly reducing labor hours required for impulsive and low-thrust trajectory mission design.

DyLAN Data and Pricing Sheet (PDF)

SEPTER

Spacecraft modularity is seeing rapid growth in the industry. The SEPTER software package was created to design optimized reconfigurable spacecraft architectures. The software considers desired orbit, module form factors, module capabilities, and mission requirements. The package outputs component selections, sizing, and an optimized configuration (including saved near-optimal configurations for comparison). Features include pointing constraints, field-of-view, and keep-out zones. The software package is Python compatible (with an older MATLAB version available).

Learn More

To learn more about our space systems software for your application(s), please contact Ryne Beeson at beeson@cuaerospace.com for questions about NLPAROPT/COMPNOT/DyLAN and David Carroll at carroll@cuaerospace.com regarding SEPTER.