On-Board Data Handling - Processing Function

Processing Function

The modern OBDH always uses an on-board computer (OBC) which is reliable, usually with redundant processors. The processing power is made available to other applications which support the spacecraft bus, such as attitude control algorithms, thermal control, Failure Detection Isolation and Recovery etc. If the mission itself requires only a small amount of computing power (such as a small scientific satellite) then the payload may also be controlled by the software running on the OBC, to save launch mass and the considerable expense of a dedicated payload computer.