nasa/cFS
FreeThe Core Flight System (cFS)
FreeFree tier
About nasa/cFS
The Core Flight System (cFS) is a generic flight software architecture framework developed by NASA. It provides a modular, reusable software platform for spacecraft, including flagship missions, human spacecraft, cubesats, and even Raspberry Pi-based projects. This open-source repository bundles core components (cFE, OSAL, PSP) along with example 'lab' apps for command ingestion, telemetry output, and scheduling, enabling developers to build and test flight software. Released under Apache 2.0, it serves as a starting point for mission-specific flight software development, with an extensive ecosystem of additional applications and tools available from the cFS community.
Key Features
Modular software architecture with core components: cFE, OSAL, PSP
Includes example lab apps for command ingest, telemetry output, and scheduling
Open-source release under Apache 2.0 license
Used on flagship spacecraft, human spacecraft, cubesats, and Raspberry Pi
Bundle of submodules for easy integration and testing
Accompanied by a rich ecosystem of community-developed apps and tools
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Developed and maintained by NASA with proven spaceflight heritage
- Open-source and freely available under Apache 2.0 license
- Modular design enables reuse and customization for various mission types
- Active community and extensive documentation on GitHub
- Supports multiple platforms including Linux, RTEMS, and Raspberry Pi
Cons
- Not a fully verified operational flight system; requires mission-specific validation
- Lab apps are examples only and may not meet flight-critical standards
- Limited to framework and common apps in open-source; full flight version requires Government agreement
- Documentation may be dense and tailored for aerospace professionals
Best For
Flight software development for NASA and commercial spacecraft missionsCubesat and small satellite software prototyping and testingEducational projects and research in aerospace embedded systemsRaspberry Pi-based space-related experiments and demonstrations
FAQ
What is cFS?
cFS (Core Flight System) is a generic flight software architecture framework by NASA, used on various spacecraft and embedded systems.
What license does cFS use?
The open-source version of cFS is released under the Apache 2.0 license.
Can cFS run on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, cFS has been used on Raspberry Pi as a development and testing platform.
Is cFS ready for flight missions?
This repository is a starting point; it is not a fully verified operational system. All verification and validation per mission requirements is the responsibility of the mission.
What components are included in the open-source bundle?
The open-source bundle includes cFE, OSAL, PSP, and several example/lab applications such as Command Ingest, Telemetry Output, Scheduler, Sample App, and more.