In the space industry, missions are built with objectives driving all aspects, based on a requirements-driven model that considers technical, cost, schedule, and other resourcing.

Conversely, small satellites are typically designed in a multiconstraint environment. Focus is placed on designing a concise outline of how small satellites and restricted missions are developed.

A framework has been established that provides an alternative path from traditional requirements-driven development. 

The framework develops a process in which scope and requirements are tradeable attributes. The methods for understanding the balance between scope and constraint, recognizing divergence from that balance, identifying methods to address alterations, and establishing a new balance are being researched. 

The framework is based on agile software development concepts but is also derived from multiple programs and missions (big and small) that have gone through similar practices to achieve success.

Key design practices are starting to be adopted and described (e.g., “the spacecraft can survive a tumble,” “full-system power resets periodically occur”), which help increase vehicle resiliency. 

The trades between the margins presented in the system and the level of characterization allow for various approaches to help ensure the mission is successful. Ongoing research is exploring how this tradespace can expand outside of traditional practices.

This work was sponsored and performed in coordination with the Air Force Research Laboratory.

For more information, contact Lee Jasper, Lee.Jasper@sdl.usu.edu.