Implementation of concurrent engineering to Phase B space system design

Abstract

Concurrent engineering (CE) has been in use within the space industry since the mid-1990s for the development of robust, effective design solutions within a reduced period of time; to date, however, such applications have focussed on Phase 0/A feasibility studies, with the potential for application in later phases not yet demonstrated. Applications at the DLR Institute of Space Systems have addressed this gap with practical attempts made on three satellite projects. The use of Phase 0/A CE techniques, such as dedicated CE sessions, online trade-offs, and design iterations and consolidation, was taken and augmented with more novel practices such as online requirements engineering. Underlying these practices was a suite of tools coming from both external and internal sources. While it is noted that the traditional time and cost benefits expected from Phase 0/A use are less likely to be achieved for Phase B applications, the resulting solutions demonstrated an increased robustness and performance.

Decision Support Tool for Concurrent Engineering in Space Mission Design

“…For example, more thorough orbit calculations and visibility to discipline dependencies. As the CE approach also has potential to be applied in the later phases (i.e., post-phase-A) of space missions [15], the Virtual Satellite's development will be investigated in this direction as well.…”