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RTCA DO-178C in Education: Introduction to Co-Curricular Activities;
MARIA CECILIA PEREIRA, LUCAS GABRIEL NOLETO MILAGRES, JULIA DE ALBUQUERQUE GUIMARAES;
Software development remains one of the most complex endeavors undertaken
by humanity, presenting significant challenges in testing and mathematical modeling. These challenges are particularly acute in critical sectors like aerospace, defense, and nuclear energy, where software failures have led to catastrophic accidents. To address these risks, the aerospace industry has adopted the RTCA DO-178C standard, which outlines software
considerations for airborne systems and equipment certification. However, despite its importance, this standard is often overlooked in academic settings, leaving graduates underprepared for industry demands. This study explores the integration of RTCA DO-178C into the aerospace engineering curriculum at the Federal University of Minas Gerais through a competition team project focused on CubeSats and CanSats. The project aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, emphasizing the importance
of standards in software engineering education. The study also developed templates to facilitate the adoption of RTCA DO-178C, ensuring that students gain practical experience in compliance with industry standards.
RTCA DO-178C; Software Certification; Problem-Based Learning (PBL); Embedded Systems; Safety-Critical Systems
