Using MBSE in Satellite Architecture Trade Studies: A Practical Example

This paper explores the practical usage of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to compare the ability of both traditional and CubeSat remote sensing architectures to fulfill a set of mission requirements. Mission requirements originating from a hurricane disaster response scenario are developed to derive a set of system requirements. These system requirements are used to develop notional traditional and CubeSat architecture models. The technical performance of these architectures is analyzed using Systems Toolkit (STK); the results are compared against measures of effectiveness (MOEs) derived from the disaster response scenario. The performance comparison between the traditional and CubeSat architectures is intended to inform future discussions relating to the benefits and limitations of using CubeSats to conduct operational missions.