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Limited interoperability in space systems | A software architecture problem
Why interoperability is now a software problem
As the space sector matures, the diversity of available hardware has exploded. Modern missions now draw from a broad mix of commercial off-the-shelf components — from onboard computers to specialised subsystems — sourced rapidly, at scale and with lower risk than ever before. This hardware commodification is an enormous opportunity, but it brings a serious challenge: limited interoperability.
While industry-wide standardisation has long hoped for broad standardisation, the reality is clear — with so many players entering the market, it’s impossible to standardise every interface across every device.
As a result, the responsibility for integration has shifted decisively toward software. Mission software must now absorb most of the integration work, and it must do so reliably, repeatably and at scale.
Instead of forcing hardware into a single standard, we need a software-driven “containerisation” model that can seamlessly wrap, integrate and harmonise diverse subsystems into one coherent architecture.
HELIX® addresses this challenge through a component-based, service-oriented architecture that enables diverse subsystems to be integrated under a single software framework. System information is captured in a shared model that remains consistent across flight and ground systems, regardless of vendor or interface differences.
This approach allows mission teams to integrate heterogeneous hardware into a coherent system, without forcing artificial standardisation or introducing brittle custom adapters.
How HELIX addresses interoperability
HELIX acts as a foundational, model-driven platform that:
- Provides a service-oriented architecture for all flight and ground elements
- Captures system information in a shared mission model
- Harmonises multiple hardware subsystems into one coherent operational framework
With HELIX, your software adapts to hardware diversity rather than forcing hardware to conform, reducing integration time, complexity, and risk.
| Challenge | HELIX solution |
|---|---|
| Vendor-specific protocols | Unified service-oriented framework |
| Multiple systems integration | Single shared mission model |
| Error-prone manual adaptation | Automatic harmonisation & model-driven sync |
In short: HELIX solves interoperability through software intelligence, not by attempting to standardise hardware across the industry.
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Hub: What is HELIX? Overview
As missions integrate more diverse hardware, software-driven interoperability is critical. HELIX enables smooth integration, reliable operations, and scalable growth — making it easier to adopt new hardware and expand your constellation confidently.
Discover how HELIX enables seamless integration
Request a demo or speak to our engineering team today.