The need for a generalized compositional framework

Summary form only given. High dependability, high performance space borne systems increasing target a juxtaposition of "autonomic" and "part-of-a-larger-system" requirements as viewed in the context of a larger space-terrestrial infrastructure. Needless to say, cost remains a common design driver regardless of the system paradigms of interest. The following represents some viewpoints on upcoming challenges from a holistic system viewpoint. The 30+ years pedigree in fault tolerance, real-time computing, architectures, communications, software etc has certainly resulted in a sophisticated capability for constructing mission-specific, technology-specific customized and expensive solutions. In spite of the well-intentioned COTS philosophy advocated for decades, what is still essentially lacking is a framework for generalized (nondomain specific, technology-neutral) compositional framework for efficient and effective provisioning of dependable services, software and systems.