ADHA, an Agile Platform Enhancing New Satellite On-Board Data Processing Systems

Increasing the on-board processing capabilities of satellites can lead to faster and more efficient instrument data analysis, improved accuracy, reduced costs, reduced latency and increased autonomy. These benefits can help to improve the scientific and operational capabilities of satellites across a wide range of applications, including Earth observation, navigation, and communications. In 2019, the On-Board Computer and Data Handling Systems section of the European Space Agency (TEC-EDD) in collaboration with several ESA Research and Development offices (Future EO, DPTD, TDE, GSTP), started the definition with all European industry of an Advanced Data Handling Architecture (ADHA) based on units containing standardised, interchangeable and inter-operable electronics modules. The main objectives of this paper are to present ADHA, its flexibility and how it can be used as an agile platform to build new and more power full Data Handling and Data Processing Systems on-board satellites. As technology advances and new applications emerge, we can expect to see exciting ADHA developments having the potential to significantly enhance the capabilities of on-board satellites systems.