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Simulink Flight Software Bridge for Model Based TestingModel-Based Testing (MBT) has become a powerful tool used for validating complex flight software systems, particularly in safety-critical space applications. This paper presents a novel MBT framework that leverages Simulink® with operational flight software used in space missions, including applications within NASA’s Gateway program. The core of our approach is a Simulink–Flight Software Bridge. The bridge is designed to allow real-time sending and receiving of telemetry and commands with the flight software using the Space Packet Protocol (SPP).

To facilitate rapid test development, the MBT bridge blockset is auto generated from standard interface definitions XTCE files. We developed a tool to parse the XTCE files and extract telemetry definitions and command arguments, and automatically configure the Simulink bridge accordingly. The resulting framework supports open and closed-loop simulations, Model-in-the-loop (MIL), Software-in-the-loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and functional validation against interface specifications. Our implementation improves testing coverage and early bug detection in mission-critical spaceflight software. The solution can be leveraged to be used with other applications with similar interface architectures.
Document ID
20260001801
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Sherif Matta
(Amentum Chantilly, Virginia, United States)
Marc Carbone ORCID
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, United States)
Date Acquired
February 28, 2026
Publication Date
March 11, 2026
Publication Information
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Subject Category
Computer Programming and Software
Meeting Information
Meeting: 47th International IEEE Aerospace Conference
Location: Big Sky, MT
Country: US
Start Date: March 7, 2026
End Date: March 14, 2026
Sponsors: Prognostics and Health Management Society (PHM), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80JSC022DA035
WBS: 300750.04.01.04.10
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
Professional Review
Keywords
XTCE
Space Packet Protocol
Simulink
Flight software
NASA Gateway
Spacecraft testing
Verification and Validation method
Flight Software Testing
Model Based Testing
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