Due to advances in observation and imaging technologies, modern astronomical satellites generate large volumes of data. This necessitates efficient onboard data processing and high-speed data downlink. Reflecting this trend is the VERTECS 6U Astronomical Nanosatellite. Designed for the observation of Extragalactic Background Light (EBL), this mission is expected to generate a substantial amount of image data, particularly within the confines of CubeSat capabilities. This paper introduces the VERTECS Camera Control Board (CCB), an open-source payload interface board leveraging Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, with a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 at its core. The VERTECS CCB hardware and software have been designed from the ground up to serve as the sole interface between the VERTECS bus system and astronomical imaging payload, while providing compute capability not usually seen in nanosatellites of this class. Responsible for mission data processing, it will facilitate high-speed data transfer from the imaging payload via gigabit Ethernet, while also providing a high-bitrate serial connection to the payload X-band transmitter for mission data downlink. Additional interfaces for secondary payloads are provided via USB-C and standard 15-pin camera connectors. The Raspberry Pi embedded within the VERTECS CCB operates on a standard Linux distribution, streamlining the software development process. Beyond addressing the current mission's payload control and data handling requirements, the CCB sets the stage for future missions with heightened data demands. Furthermore, it supports the adoption of machine learning and other compute-intensive applications in orbit. This paper delves into the development of the VERTECS CCB, offering insights into the design and validation of this next-generation payload interface, to ensure that it can survive the rigors of space flight.

翻译：随着观测与成像技术的进步，现代天文卫星产生海量数据，这要求高效的在轨数据处理与高速数据下行链路。VERTECS 6U天文纳卫星正是这一趋势的体现。该任务旨在观测河外背景光（EBL），预计将在立方星的能力范围内产生大量图像数据。本文介绍VERTECS相机控制板（CCB），这是一种基于商用现货（COTS）器件的开源载荷接口板，其核心为树莓派计算模块4。VERTECS CCB的硬件与软件均从头设计，旨在作为VERTECS总线系统与天文成像载荷之间的唯一接口，同时提供此类纳卫星中罕见的高计算能力。该板负责任务数据处理，将通过千兆以太网实现成像载荷的高速数据传输，并通过高比特率串行连接为载荷X波段发射机提供任务数据下行链路。此外，通过USB-C接口和标准15针相机连接器为次级载荷提供扩展接口。内置于VERTECS CCB的树莓派运行标准Linux发行版，简化了软件开发流程。除了满足当前任务的载荷控制与数据处理需求外，CCB还为未来更高数据需求的任务奠定了基础。此外，它支持在轨部署机器学习及其他计算密集型应用。本文深入探讨VERTECS CCB的研制过程，详细阐述这一新一代载荷接口板的设计与验证方案，以确保其能够承受严苛的太空飞行环境。