Best Practices in CubeSat Control Software Development: A Case Study of the SAGE Mission

The increasing complexity of CubeSat missions necessitates mission control software that is both
efficient and user-friendly. This paper describes the design and implementation of a multi-mission
CubeSat user interface for the SAGE Mission, a student-led CubeSat program. The system includes
a web-based interface that provides telemetry visualisation, automated job scheduling, and real-time
monitoring. Its architecture is designed to be modular, scalable, and accessible, allowing integration
with multiple ground stations and support for various mission configurations. Input from stakeholders
played a crucial role in shaping the interface through user evaluations, expert feedback, and digital
twin simulations. Our findings highlight the significance of user-centred design in space mission
software, particularly in educational and resource-constrained settings. The CubeSat SAGE mission
control software enhances the accessibility of multi-mission operations and offers valuable insights
into the future of space system interfaces.