Systems Engineering for Space Vehicles
Bryan Palaszewskiwith the
Digital Learning NetworkNASA Glenn Research Center
Cleveland, OH
Introduction
• What is systems engineering?
• How does systems engineering apply to space missions?
• How does systems engineering help us explore space?
What is Systems Engineering? (1/4)
• Systems engineering is a process by which all of the important aspects or subsystems of space vehicles and their interactions are introduced, studied, and used.
• The interactions of the systems are studied, making sure they all work together harmoniously.
What is Systems Engineering? (2/4)
• “Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach encompassing the entire technical effort to evolve and verify an integrated and life-cycle balanced set of system people, product, and process solutions that satisfy customer needs."
Shishko, R., NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, NASA SP-6105, 1995.
What is Systems Engineering? (3/4)
• “Systems engineering is a robust approach to the design, creation, and operation of systems.
• In simple terms, the approach consists of identification and quantification of system goals, creation of alternative system design concepts, performance of design trades, selection and implementation of the best design, …
What is Systems Engineering? (4/4)
• … verification that the design is properly built and integrated, and post-implementation assessment of how well the system meets (or met) the goals.”
Shishko, R., NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, NASA SP-6105, 1995.
How Does Systems Engineering Apply To Space Missions? (1/2)
• Space vehicles are very complex with many subsystems.
• Each subsystem has many components, and the interactions of those components can lead to unexpected or unpredictable results.
How Does Systems Engineering Apply To Space Missions? (2/2)
• Safe and reliable operation of a spacecraft requires a rich knowledge of these interactions.
How Does Systems Engineering Help Us Explore Space?
• The process of systems engineering identifies potential flaws in the space vehicle before launch.
• Systems engineering allows for safer missions, and a better chance for mission success.
Typical Subsystems (1/3)
• Propulsion• Power• Power processing• Structures• Heat transfer• Fluid systems• Telecommunications
Propulsion
Power: Solar Array
Power Processing
• Changes power at one set current and voltage into the proper currents and voltages for other parts of the spacecraft. Test hardware for
power processor
Structures
Structures
Structures
Heat Transfer: Radiator for Heat Rejection
Typical Subsystems (2/3)
• Attitude control
• Navigation
• Mechanisms
• Payload(s)
• Docking (under Mechanisms, etc.)
• Life support
Guidance, Navigation, and Control Subsystem
Environmental Control and Life Support Subsystem
Typical Subsystems (3/3)
• Pyrotechnics
• Cabling
• Configuration control
• Other aspects:– Environments (radiation, contamination)– Vibration testing, overall system testing– Fracture control (propellant tankage)– Simulation, Information Technology, and
many others
Layout of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) Vehicle