Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools are being used to improve capabilities and reliability in small spacecraft missions. These methods and tools enable rapid, comprehensive, deeper and more integrated spacecraft design across the entire life cycle from initial concept through system operations and end of mission disposal. We propose to develop METIS (Methodology Integration System), a system incorporating standard SysML model templates, an MBSE methodology and best practice patterns, a database of standard small satellite components, and a set of tool integrations that will enable rapid design, development, validation, verification, analysis and simulation of small spacecraft missions across the entire mission life cycle from initial concept through completed mission. This innovative system will (ultimately) allow an engineer to:
METIS will enable NASA to rapidly define and execute small spacecraft missions by enabling more comprehensive, deeper and integrated small spacecraft designs across the entire mission life cycle. It will provide a solution to cross-cutting modeling challenges including cost and schedule, trade space exploration, risk assessment and modeling, validation and verification, and automated generation of traditional systems engineering documents.
METIS will provide an integrated model-based systems engineering environment enabling rapid delivery of commercial small satellite missions. It will form a central component of Orbital Transports’ commercial space logistics offering for delivering small satellite missions to customers.