Astrium’s RADARSAT-2 & Beagle 2 software

This article discusses two projects, RADARSAT-2 and Beagle 2, which required high levels of software reliability due to their specific requirements. RADARSAT-2, funded by the Canadian Space Agency, aimed to perform topographic mapping of the Earth’s surface using advanced radar equipment. Beagle 2, a UK-led Mars lander, intended to investigate the possibility of past life on Mars. Both projects faced different challenges in achieving software reliability.

Astrium’s Polar Platform Satellite

Astrium, the company selected by the European Space Agency to develop the Polar Platform Satellite, needed a reliable testing tool to ensure the success of the mission.

After an extended evaluation process, they chose AdaTEST 95, which not only met all the criteria but was also competitively priced. The tool proved to be flexible and easily integrated into Astrium’s existing standards and procedures, without disrupting day-to-day practices. AdaTEST 95 solved the problem of producing maintainable code and tests and even helped the team cut down on the volume of material that needed to be reviewed.

The Highways Agency and the NASS Project

The UK Highways Agency (HA) developed the Network ATM Supervisory Subsystem (NASS) to reduce congestion by controlling traffic based on actual and predicted road conditions. NASS was developed following the International Electrotechnical Commission’s IEC 61508 standard to ensure its safety. The system underwent several phases, including a proof-of-concept and production of a demonstrator system, before being integrated into the HA’s West Midlands Regional Control Centre.

This case study explores the testing strategy, code design, and module testing procedures used to validate the system’s effectiveness.

SAAB’S Stores Management Unit (SMU) for the JAS39 Gripen Fighter

Saab Aerosystems re-implemented the Stores Management Unit (SMU) for the JAS39 Gripen fighter aircraft. They used AdaTEST 95 for testing, following the RTCA/DO-178B standard at criticality level A. The Ravenscar profile of Ada95 was adopted for safety. Testing was done on both the development platform and the target, with low-level testing on the target and integration testing using intelligent stubs. AdaTEST 95’s automation capabilities and test-on-demand feature increased productivity. The automated test system proved valuable during a compiler upgrade, completing regression testing in three hours. Overall, AdaTEST 95 facilitated efficient and reliable testing of the SMU.