Software development and simulation are important in EGSE systems. Within the testing domain, simulation brings flexibility to the AIT planning and scheduling. An ongoing topic of interest is therefore how new information technology can be applied for the benefit of space systems AIT. Furthermore, EGSE features for Testing exhibit commonalities with Operations that can be (and partially already are being) beneficially exploited.

The objectives for future EGSE systems are:

• to allow for improved interoperability of facilities between project phases and between programmes (institutional and/or commercial)
• ensure consistency between spacecraft checkout and mission operations (e.g. for data validation and data re-use)
• ensure consistency between instrument, platform and S/C testing across several companies and institutions
• reduce development, maintenance and operational costs and risks.
• support the competitiveness of European Industry when supplying end-to-end space systems
• allow small and medium enterprises ("SME’s") to operate in a product oriented market, supplying quality products within a standardised context.

In the domain of CubeSats and NanoSats these aspects have not yet reached the same level of harmonisation as for the traditional (institutional) projects. We therefore encourage presentations focusing on related developments and products in order to bring these different constraints together.

Example of topics