Advancing modular space avionics: design and development of an ADHA payload controller module

The Advanced Data Handling Architecture (ADHA) is an ESA initiative to establish a compact and modular avionics framework for future space missions. Within this architecture, the Payload Interface Controller Unit (PICU) provides centralized instrument control, data handling, and timing distribution. This work presents the design and development efforts of the Payload Controller Module (PCM), a key building block of the PICU responsible for sensor interfacing and payload command management. We outline the PCM’s role within the PICU, the motivation behind its modular design, and the progress toward its engineering model. The work demonstrates how ADHA’s reusable avionics approach can streamline payload development and support a broad range of scientific and Earth-observation missions.