SoftSAT: Reconfigurable Communication Satellite System

Nishinaga, Nozomu; Ogawa, Yasuo; Takayama, Yoshihisa; Takahashi, Takashi; Kubota, Toshihiro; Umehara, Hiroaki

doi:10.2514/6.2003-2420

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Other potential benefits include faster development time (since different teams can work in parallel on different modules), cheaper test and validation processes, and easier future servicing and maintenance of the system [4]. In the past decade, more and more designs of spacecraft [7,8], surface habitats [9] and planetary surface rovers [10] etc. have been proposed with modular architectures.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Self-Similar Modular Architectures for Reconfigurable Space Systems

Siddiqi

Weck

2006

57th International Astronautical Congress

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Modular architectures have been increasingly favored for systems requiring some aspect of flexibility. A growing number of concepts, however, are being developed that have a specific kind of modular architecture in which the entire system is built of self-similar modules. In these systems each module or building block is identical (or very similar) either in external form, or both in form and function. The self-similarity allows for the highest degree of reconfigurability and is emerging to be a consistent choice for systems that need to fulfill multiple roles at different times, evolve easily to respond to new needs, and/or degrade gracefully over time. Since reconfigurability can allow for improving performance, efficiency, reliability, and flexibility of application, its manifestation through self-similar modular architecture for future space systems is studied in-depth in this paper. The systems analyzed in the study range from information processing (such as avionics) to mass transportation/supporting systems (such as spacecraft). Some of the advantages and disadvantages of this architecture are quantitatively analyzed through a case-study of a self-similar modular habitat for Moon and Mars missions. It is shown that self-similar modularity naturally allows for graceful degradation, system extensibility, and learning curve savings in production costs. There are however drawbacks of increased mass and module complexity.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1. softSAT: This is a cluster based system of satellites, connected through inter-satellite links, that acts as a single satellite [8]. The cluster is composed of three different satellites, an antenna satellite, a modem and switch satellite, and a server satellite.…”

Section: Systems Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Similar Modular Architectures for Reconfigurable Space Systems

Siddiqi

Weck

2006

57th International Astronautical Congress

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“…Reconfigurability has received special attention since it can potentially provide the means for meeting the modern challenges involved in the development and operation of large systems. Researchers have explored the economic benefits of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) [6], performance improvements in reconfigurable race cars [7], implementation issues for reconfigurable satellite constellations [8], and design concepts for reconfigurable communication satellites [9]. This work attempts to provide a comprehensive approach towards studying reconfigurability issues in a system.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainability in System Architectures through Rec...

Siddiqi

Weck

Hoffman

2005

56th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronaut

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Traditionally, space systems have been built for pre-defined missions, fixed requirements, and optimized for highest performance. Sustainable system architectures however need to be affordable, ensure delivery of value, minimize failure risk, and adapt to new requirements. Reconfigurability in systems can be a means for achieving these desirable characteristics. Currently, there is no formal methodology for studying reconfigurability issues in system architecture and design. This paper presents such a methodology and investigates how reconfigurability can be a means for reducing cost and mitigating risk. As a specific case study, reconfigurable planetary surface vehicles for human exploration of Moon and Mars are analyzed. It is assumed that reconfigurability is primarily desired in the system to maximize value through multi-functionality (and thereby reduce total mass required to be transported to planetary surface). It is found that for the specific case study analyzed, the mass savings due to reconfigurability in a fleet of vehicles can be on the order of 35% while risk of non-performance can be reduced to 1%. The cost of reconfiguration however goes up with increasing reconfigurability in the system.

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