Spacecraft Design Process

Overview of Spacecraft Design Process

Introduction

This guide provides an overview of the spacecraft design process for a budding aerospace engineer looking to learn the fundamentals of spacecraft design.

Purpose of the Guide

This guide will provide an introduction to the design process, discuss the fundamental design considerations, and explain the systems engineering process used to develop spacecraft designs.

Design Fundamentals

• Understand the mission objectives and requirements

• Identify stakeholders and their requirements

• Understand the environment in which the spacecraft will operate

• Understand the key technologies available

• Understand the spacecraft subsystems

Governing Design Considerations

• Weight and mass constraints

• Power constraints

• Cost constraints

• Timeline constraints

• Crew safety considerations

Systems Engineering Process

1. Define requirements and objectives

2. Identify design options and trade-offs

3. Evaluate and select design options

4. Analyze risk and generate contingency plans

5. Develop system architectures and concepts of operations

Design Requirements

Mission-level Requirements

• Systems must meet mission objectives within timeline and cost constraints

• Systems must be able to operate in the target environment

• Systems must comply with applicable regulations and standards

• Systems must be safe for crew operation

• Systems must be reliable and maintainable over the mission lifetime