Teensy 4.1 Software

The Artemis CubeSat uses the Teensy 4.1 microcontroller as its primary flight controller. The flight software running on the Teensy 4.1 is developed in C++, a language known for its efficiency and performance, which makes it an ideal choice for real-time systems like CubeSats. The software handles a variety of tasks, including sensor data collection, command processing, error detection and correction, and automations for various operations such as thermal control and power management.

Visual Studio Code is used as the primary integrated development environment (IDE) for developing and debugging the flight software. This popular IDE offers many features that simplify the software development process, including syntax highlighting, code completion, and built-in debugging tools. Moreover, it supports platformio, a plugin that enables seamless programming of the Teensy microcontroller directly from the IDE. This means that the software can be edited, compiled, uploaded to the microcontroller, and debugged all within the same environment, greatly simplifying the development workflow.

The Artemis CubeSat also employs a robust software architecture that enables modularity and scalability. This means that additional functionality can be added or existing functionality can be modified with ease, without disrupting the overall system. This aspect is particularly crucial given the iterative nature of satellite design and the need for continuous updates to the flight software during the mission's lifespan.