Session
Session 4: Delivering Mission Success
Abstract
There is an increasing proliferation of small satellite based solutions for diverse applications. There is an expectation to deliver mission success to match the steady upward trajectory of system performance. The present challenge facing the developer community is how to provide a balanced design approach that meets both the operational needs and practical imperatives of a small satellite solution, which can scale to constellation-level numbers, within commensurate programmatic constraints. Though functionally distinct, the drivers for government programs seeking complementary solutions to more traditional exquisite system acquisitions and “New Space” players desiring rapid ways to dependably build-out their space layer, all motivate the need to consider a hybrid approach to produce the desired end state: “Smart Space.” This approach represents a strategy that includes consideration of determining appropriate mission assurance standards, design standards, part sourcing strategy, expansion of the supply-chain, performing qualification and acceptance testing, reporting on anomalies and implementing corrective and preventive actions. SSL has a flexible, highly tailorable approach to project execution and mission assurance. This approach draws upon observable metrics for satellite fabrication, assembly, integration, and test, along with empirically measured flight performance of GEO and LEO satellites. In this paper we discuss the methods that SSL is employing for its “Smart Space” approach, across satellite production activities for both government and commercial customers, as well as recommendations for how the community should continue to evolve their methods for production engineering and verification.
Achieving Small Satellite "Smart Space"
There is an increasing proliferation of small satellite based solutions for diverse applications. There is an expectation to deliver mission success to match the steady upward trajectory of system performance. The present challenge facing the developer community is how to provide a balanced design approach that meets both the operational needs and practical imperatives of a small satellite solution, which can scale to constellation-level numbers, within commensurate programmatic constraints. Though functionally distinct, the drivers for government programs seeking complementary solutions to more traditional exquisite system acquisitions and “New Space” players desiring rapid ways to dependably build-out their space layer, all motivate the need to consider a hybrid approach to produce the desired end state: “Smart Space.” This approach represents a strategy that includes consideration of determining appropriate mission assurance standards, design standards, part sourcing strategy, expansion of the supply-chain, performing qualification and acceptance testing, reporting on anomalies and implementing corrective and preventive actions. SSL has a flexible, highly tailorable approach to project execution and mission assurance. This approach draws upon observable metrics for satellite fabrication, assembly, integration, and test, along with empirically measured flight performance of GEO and LEO satellites. In this paper we discuss the methods that SSL is employing for its “Smart Space” approach, across satellite production activities for both government and commercial customers, as well as recommendations for how the community should continue to evolve their methods for production engineering and verification.
