Rapita Systems, a software spin-out of University of York (in England, not to be confused with York University in Canada), has been selected by the European Space Agency to use its tools for the Intermediate Experimental Vehicle.
Spun out in 2004 of York’s computer science department, the company markets a set of tools which are able to test control systems in avionic flight and automotive engineering.
The vehicle is due to be launched in November 2014. The agency hopes it will be the first step for technology capable of re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Rapita is now working with GMV to implement its software testing product RapiCover. GMV is a Spanish company contracted to build the spacecraft’s onboard software, including guidance navigation and control as well as the calculation of aerodynamic parametres for re-entry.
Guillem Bernat, chief executive at Rapita, said: “We are delighted to be making a contribution to this re-usable spacecraft project. As software is responsible for so many of the critical functions of space vehicles, it is essential that they are thoroughly tested before they are deployed. Our product, RapiCover, provides an excellent way to show that this is the case.”