sfCUBEX: A CubeSat Exemplar for Teaching Software Architecture Principles

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Angelos Motsios, Timo Kehrer, Christos Tsigkanos

Published: 2025, Last Modified: 20 Mar 2026ECSA (Tracks and Workshops) 2025EveryoneRevisionsBibTeXCC BY-SA 4.0
Abstract: Teaching software architecture effectively requires bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application, particularly in complex domains like software for aerospace systems. This paper presents \(\textsf{CUBEX}\), an exemplar developed for teaching software architecture to master’s level university students. The project utilizes the JPL’s F\( ^{\prime }\) flight software framework within the context of a simulated CubeSat mission focused on orientation monitoring. Students are tasked with developing key flight software components, specifically an Inertial Measurement Unit driver and a Payload processing component, adhering to specified mission requirements. Through this process, students gain practical experience with core software architecture principles, including component-based design, interface definition, telemetry and event handling, and system integration. We detail the project’s technical foundations, pedagogical structure, and its value as a readily available, reusable educational artifact designed to facilitate teaching of contemporary software architecture principles.