Space System Design Drivers

A Comprehensive Guide to Spacecraft System Design Drivers

The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive overview of spacecraft system design drivers and explain what they are and how they can be used to improve the performance of spacecraft.

This guide is for spacecraft systems design engineers who are looking for ways to improve their designs.

Definition of a Spacecraft System Design Driver

A spacecraft system design driver is a factor that affects the performance of a spacecraft's systems. Design drivers can include everything from system components to environmental conditions.

List of all Spacecraft System Design Drivers

• System requirements

• Power system

• Weight and balance

• Thermal environment

• Attitude control system

• Propulsion system

• Software and hardware design

• Cost constraints

• Environmental conditions

• Launch vehicle requirements

How to Use Spacecraft System Design Drivers

There are several steps that should be followed when using design drivers to improve the performance of a spacecraft system:

Step 1: Identify System Requirements

The first step in designing a spacecraft system is to identify all of the requirements that the system must meet.

Step 2: Analyze the System

Next, analyze the system to determine how its components will interact with each other and the environment.

Step 3: Identify Design Drivers

Once the system is analyzed, identify all of the design drivers that could affect the performance of the system.

Step 4: Consider the Impact of Design Drivers on System Performance

Consider how each design driver will affect the performance of the system and determine which drivers will have the most significant impact.

Step 5: Create a Design Prototype

Create a prototype of the design to test its performance.

Step 6: Test the Prototype

Test the prototype to ensure that it meets all of the requirements.

Step 7:: Adapt and Improve the Design

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Spacecraft System Design & Analysis: A Practical Approach - by J.P. Holman (ISBN: 978-0-89448-758-6)

• Spacecraft Systems Engineering - by W.D. Cohen and G.L. Kulcinski (ISBN: 978-1-56347-566-0)

• Introduction to Space Systems Design and Synthesis - by W.D. Cohen (ISBN: 978-0-88415-141-3)