Research
My research has been focused on all aspects of software engineering for real-time systems, including operating systems, programming languages, modelling and design methods, and implementation platforms.
I am a member of the STRAST (Real-Time Systems and Telematic Services Architecture) research group, which is integrated into the Information Processing and Telecommunications Center (IPTC) of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM).
Long-term research activities
UPMSat-2
UPMSat-2 is a university micro-satellite mission, developed under the leadership of the Ignacio da Riva Institute (IDR/UPM). The aim of the mission is to develop a platform that can be used as a technological demonstrator, as well as to support in-orbit scientific and educational activities. The satellite was launched on September 3, 2020, on a sun-synchronous low-earth orbit, and is still operational.
The STRAST group was responsible for the development of all the mission software, including the space and ground segment. Most of the on-board software was developed in Ada, with some C code generated from Simulink for the attitude control system. Python was used extensively in the ground software. The software runs on a specifically designed on-board computer based on the LEON-3 architecture, and was designed using innovative methods and technology, including model-driven design, mixed criticality techniques, and real-time software analysis methods.
ORK
ORK, the Open Ravenscar Real-time Kernel, is an open-source kernel of reduced size and complexity aimed at developing mission-critical software systems in Ada. It fully implements the Ada Ravenscar profile, a subset of the Ada tasking model defining a predictable computational model that can be used for the development of high integrity real-time systems.
ORK was developed and maintained by the STRAST group starting in the year 2000, with funding from ESA and several national research projects. It was the first full implementation of the Ada Ravenscar profile on ERC32 and LEON processors, which are widely used in the European space industry, and is now integrated in the GNAT Pro and GNAT FSF cross-platform development systems for LEON and ARM architectures.
Recent research projects
- Models and platforms for predictable, secure and reliable industrial information technology systems (PRESECREL).
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain), project PID2021-124502OB-C43. Years 2022—2025. - Tool suite for AUtomatic code generation and validation of model-based critical iteROpeRAble components (AURORA)
EU project Horizon 2020 project 101004291. Years 2020—2023. - Operación Avanzada de Pequeños Satélites (OAPESCM).
Comunidad de Madrid, Proyecto Sinérgico Y2020/NMT6427. Years 2021—2024.