Space software engineering at Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) has been developed to meet the needs of real-time spacecraft instrument control and onboard data processing, where the ability to develop high quality, reliable, fault tolerant, efficient and flexible software to demanding schedules are essential qualities. One of our major activity areas is On-ground Data Processing Chains and Analysis Tools for Space Missions. The examples are Gaia DPAC (Data Processing and Analysis Consortium) and CryoSat IPF Level 2. The software engineering group is composed of experienced professional software engineers whose expertise is applied in 4 main areas:

• Flight Software (real-time, embedded)
• Test Software
• Modelling & Simulation Software
• Data Processing & Analysis Software

A wide variety of space missions and projects have been supported, comprising many different computer languages and development systems, within a structured software project management & quality assurance environment. The group also offers its expertise to industry on a consultancy basis, and is engaged in a continual program to improve techniques and enable cost savings via research.