The core Flight System
The core Flight System (cFS) is a platform-independent, reusable software framework designed to expedite flight software development.
Never build Flight Software (FSW) from scratch again.
cFS enables reuse, rapid development, and portability through its dynamic run-time environment, layered architecture, and component-based design. Its three main components – the platform support package, operating system abstraction layer, and the core flight executive – give system designers the tools and flexibility they need to implement a robust FSW software that has powered 40+ small to large class NASA missions including the Roman Space Telescope.
The cFS flight software framework takes advantage of a rich heritage of successful NASA flight software expertise.
Chat With The Experts
cFS has a solid and growing community of flight software engineers who are invested in improving the system and will answer questions about developing apps, customizing the source code, and implementing your embedded software project. Join the Discussion.
What makes cFS Different
cFS originated from the collective experiences of flight software engineers at NASA. The cFS Team is committed to delivering high-quality, robust software that stands up to the rigorous standards and testing needed to ensure the safety and success of high-profile space missions. NASA is sharing cFS with the world to improve the quality and accessibility of embedded software for flight applications worldwide.
Simple, Powerful Architecture
The tried-and-true bus architecture of the executive combined with the layered approach of cFS’ abstraction layers and the modular approach to the codebase gives the simplicity needed by new users and the flexibility required by highly custom projects without sacrificing the quality and reliability of the system.
Upcoming Releases
cFS Draco is scheduled to release by Spring 2025.
cFS Gov is scheduled to release by Summer 2025.
Application Areas
Landers and Rovers
Crewed Spaceflight
Satellite Platforms and Payloads
Launch and Mission Systems
cFS Resources
cFS News
What cFS Users Are Saying
“cFS has stepped up to answer the needs of the Agency and global space community for critical space missions...”
- Dr. Lorraine E. Prokop, NASA Technical Fellow
“We stand on the shoulders of giants. The work we were doing was built on the work people had done before us. NASA’s Core Flight Software is a big part of what we do on the flight vehicle.”
- Dr. Tim Crain, CTO, Intuitive Machines
“… appreciated was the ease of adopting cFS, which I attribute to its innovative and mature design.”
- E. Jay Wyatt, Manager, Space Networking and Mission Automation Program Office, JPL
“When trying to accomplish a historic missions with an aggressive schedule, NASA Core Flight System is the answer to gain schedule while maintaining a high level of safety to be able to start with so much heritage and lessons learned!”
- Justin Darnall, Senior Manager SLD Flight Software, Blue Origin
“… Dramatic schedule and budget efficiencies result because the challenges associated with integration, verification and validation occur only once but then the benefits are inherited by many far into the future…”
- Robert J. Menrad, Retired Associate Director for Space Communications, GSFC
Connect with the cFS Team
Please fill out the form below or email directly at cfs-program@lists.nasa.gov.