SGV Linux Users Group - Developing open-source (aerospace) hardware like OSS

Talk By Sean Marquez
Subject: Developing open-source (aerospace) hardware like open-source software
Agenda (subject to change)
6:30 pm Gather, mingle, and (possibly) order dinner.
7:05 pm Announcements
7:30 pm Talk Starts
8:30 pm Question/Answers and more mingling?

Speaker Bio:
Technical writer, experienced in DocOps, mechanical design, & model-based engineering, developing methodologies & tools for distributed manufacturing & open-source hardware

Abstract:
Cubesats are a class of smallscale spacecrafts that have grown in popularity amongst universities and aerospace industry. Due to their size and formfactor, they make for an ideal platform for experimental space science missions, as well as for adopting new methodolodies for developing aerospace hardware. The Sealion Mission is a joint CubeSat mission being developed by the Old Dominion University (ODU) and Coast Guard Academy (CGA) to test several payloads, such as a deployable composite structure (think Lightsail's deployable sails, but mechanically driven). In effort to ensure the reproducibility of both hardware and software, as to serve as a reference implementation for building future CubeSat projects, the Sealion team has been in the process of adopting the DOF methodology - an approach to developing open-source hardware (OSHW) like open-source software (OSS), currently under development by the Mach 30 Foundation.
The DOF methodology defines the "source" of an OSHW project to be three key elements:

1. the Bill of Materials (BoM) data,
2. Assembly Instructions,
3. Supporting Material (e.g., design files, schematics, operating instructions)

Because the DOF methodology also specifies that the BoM data be authored in YAML on the local filesystem, we can leverage existing version control and package management tools currently used in OSS to manage complex hardware projects as if it were a software project with nested dependencies. As the team adopts such an approach for a CubeSat project, we are actively discovering desired use cases within the project and have extended the DOF methodology to address those use cases.
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SGVLUG is one of the oldest and most active Linux User Groups in the Greater Los Angeles area. In addition to Linux, the group also shares interests in other free and open source software, all forms of technology, and the discussion of issues that arise with the these new tools, such as privacy rights. SGVLUG attracts members from throughout LA County including Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and eastward throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Our members include software developers, system administrators, hardware engineers, and software users of all levels of experience. Many work in the technology field as employees, contractors or consultants, and enjoy the learning and networking opportunities available from the group. We also have many members that serve as volunteers of their time and skills at various local events, including the annual Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE).