Goddard has Partnered with Cesium Astro Space and Defense Systems

Modular Unified Space Technology Avionics for Next Generation Missions (MUSTANG)

Since September 2023, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has partnered with Cesium Astro Space & Defense Systems to license and commercialize the successful MUSTANG (Modular Unified Space Technology Avionics for Next Generation missions) technology. MUSTANG is a small integrated Avionics system including Command and Data Handling (C&DH), Power System Electronics (PSE), Attitude Control Interfaces (ACS), and Propulsion Electronics.

MUSTANG leverages decades of experience across diverse engineering specialties at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to reduce the programmatic and technical risks associated with developing custom space flight avionics solutions. MUSTANG offers flexibility with a backplane-less design and empowers the user to choose specific options and features needed for their system, making it ideal for both instrument and spacecraft applications. Its form factor allows compatibility with small/mid-size instruments and/or spacecraft and enables implementation as either a fully integrated box or separate sub-assemblies. MUSTANG also supports redundancy and cross-strap functions for a robust and reliable Avionics system architecture.  

Through a Space Act Agreement, GSFC engineers will facilitate the process of knowledge transfer and commercialization of the technology, enabling the use of ETD engineering services as a capability. This partnership supports the Agency’s strategic goals of ensuring that innovations developed for exploration and discovery are broadly available to the public, maximizing the benefit to the Nation. Additionally, turning the production of proven hardware builds over to industry allows Goddard engineers to focus on developing the next generations of innovations and NASA mission needs.