EMM and TUM succesfully completed the development of Multi-Processor System for Satellite Thermal Control

We are proud to announce the successful completion of the PLUTO project — Processor Localization and Utilization for Thermal Optimization — a cutting-edge development effort led by EMM in collaboration with the Chair of Product Development and Lightweight Structures (LPL) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

Over the past three years, our teams have worked closely together to design, develop, and validate a multi-processor system (MPS) for NewSpace satellite platforms, aimed at improving thermal management in satellite payloads. The solution leverages redundant onboard computers (OBCs) to actively regulate thermal loads through intelligent task distribution and efficient power consumption strategies.

Highlights of the Project:

• Developed an advanced multi-processor system using PolarFire SoC FPGAs for high-speed (Gbit/s) data communication.

• Integrated a digital twin to simulate and optimize thermal behavior and validate model-based control algorithms.

• Implemented memory synchronization across distributed modules, achieving stable and reliable data consistency at 100ms intervals.

• Built and tested a hardware demonstrator, confirming real-time control using Model Predictive Control (MPC) for thermal optimization.

• Published research results at major conferences including FDL 2023 and the European Space Thermal Engineering Workshop 2024.

  
  

This innovative approach enables more efficient and scalable satellite payload designs that meet the stringent thermal requirements of next-generation space systems. We would like to thank our partners at the Chair of Product Development and Lightweight Structures (LPL) at TUM and all contributors for their outstanding collaboration and technical excellence. Special thanks also go to the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, the project sponsor IABG, and the Bavarian Space Funding Program (BayVFP) for their financial support and trust in our work. With this foundation, we're looking forward to future applications in space missions, including advanced EO instruments!