Starmad
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The latest trend in the space industry is towards space missions, spacecraft, systems and products, which require quick solutions for system design and software development.
Fundamental aspects are: the capability of minimising the number of steps to perform a complete Space Mission Analysis and Design; the ability to evaluate and display results instantaneously; the possibility to control all complex Space Mission subjects in a concurrent manner.
This article deals with all these aspects by presenting STARMAD (Space Tool for Advanced and Rapid Mission Analysis and Design). It will illustrate how to achieve cost reduction and quality improvements by streamlining the design process through improving engineer involvement, and hence his understanding and efficiency in designing a space mission.
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[edit] Definition
STARMAD is a Space Mission Analysis and Design tool, intended to enable users to quickly and easily perform the following tasks: [1]
1. Preliminary Orbit Analysis, in terms of Dynamics, Geometry, Manoeuvre and Maintenance, Interplanetary Transfer, and Delta-V Budget.
2. Observation Payload Analysis, in terms of Electromagnetic Spectrum, Optics and Sizing.
3. Spacecraft Subsystems Design, considering Attitude Control, Communications, Power System, Propulsion System, Structural Analysis and Thermal Control.
4. Launch and Transfer Vehicle Information.
5. Mission Operation Complexity, from the point of view of Mission Design and Planning, Flight System Design, Operational Risk Avoidance, Ground Systems.
Its main features are:
• Possibility to perform all, or only a subset of, the tasks listed above.
• Easy to use through the graphical user interface GUI.
• Capability to concurrently analyse Space Mission aspects.
• Configuring STARMAD with an existing space mission and satellite, it is possible to check the impacts that any modifications have on a Mission.
• Export data.
[edit] Problem Modelling
STARMAD is a tool allowing user to perform a Space Mission Analysis and Design [2] in a complete, simple and fast way.
It can be compared to an electronic handbook where you have just to insert the required inputs, press enter and see the results.
The user does not need a large quantity of literature to analyse a space mission subject. Based on the task, STARMAD uses suitable formulas to find the solution.
Starting from the requirements, the engineer can carry out fundamental Space Mission Analyses, not only in terms of engineering parameters but also in terms of Mission Operations Complexity. In addition, configuring STARMAD with an existing space mission and satellite, it is possible to test critical applied modifications.
Furthermore, it offers the possibility to work in a concurrent as well as in an independent way.
The System Algorithms technique is used to compute system performance. It applies the basic physical or geometric formulas associated with a particular system or process, such as those for determining resolution, size of an antenna, link budget, geometric coverage. System Algorithms provide the best method for computing performance, providing clear traceability and establishing the relationship between design parameters and performance characteristics.
STARMAD computations are based on System Algorithms technique, additionally implementing all the design parameters interdependencies and automatically exchanging results throughout its sections. This allows to simplify and streamline the overall design process. This method is powerful, showing how performance varies with key parameters. Limitation is the assumption of having correctly identified what limits system performance, such as optical quality, pointing stability, etc. Although this limitation, System Algorithms technique is ideal for preliminary assessment on space missions.
[edit] Concurrent Approach
In automatically linking all Space Mission aspects with their associated interdependencies, STARMAD is able to simplify an otherwise complex problem.
It facilitates a fast and effective interaction of all disciplines involved, ensuring consistent, high-quality results. The software is an efficient working tool to ensure consistent end-to-end design of a space mission.
The concurrent approach [3] will improve engineer involvement, and hence his/her understanding and efficiency in designing a space mission.
The spacecraft design process is based on mathematical models, which are implemented inside STARMAD. By this means, a consistent set of design parameters can be automatically defined and exchanged throughout the software sections and subsections. And any change, which may have an impact on other disciplines, can immediately be identified and assessed. In this way, a number of design iterations can be performed, and different design options can easily be analysed and compared. In such a way, via STARMAD, it will be possible to streamline the design process achieving cost reduction and quality improvements.
[edit] References
[1] W.J.Larson, J.R. Wertz, “Space Mission Analysis and Design”, 3rd edition, Space Technology Library, 1999.
[2] P.Fortescue, J.Stark, G.Swinerd, “Spacecraft Systems Engineering”, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2003.
[3] M.Bandecchi, F.Ongaro, “The ESA/ESTEC Concurrent Design Facility”, Paper presented at 2nd European Systems Engineering Conference, Munich 13-15 September 2000.
