Basilisk: A Flexible, Scalable and Modular Astrodynamics Simulation Framework

Abstract

The Basilisk astrodynamics framework is a spacecraft simulation tool developed with an aim of strict modular separation and decoupling of modeling concerns in regard to coupled spacecraft dynamics, environment interactions, and flight software algorithms. Modules, tasks, and task groups are the three core components that enable Basilisk’s modular architecture. These core components are described and their functionality demonstrated. The Basilisk message-passing system is a critical communications layer that facilitates the routing of input and output data between modules. Furthermore, this paper outlines Basilisk’s data logging and Monte Carlo simulation functionality. The implementation of Basilisk’s Python wrapped C++/C technology stack is described. Finally, a sample spacecraft attitude control simulation demonstrates the modularity and flexibility of the framework.