Development and Application of the CubeSat System Reference Model

<title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>As systems become more complicated, managing them from conceptual design through disposal has become significantly more difficult. Traditional process- and document-based methods often struggle to cope with the realities of designing and fielding modern engineered systems; relevant information can become segmented and out-of-sync, leading to costly errors.</p> <p>The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) initiated a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) initiative nearly fifteen years ago; one of the fruits of this effort is the System Modeling Language (SysML). Modern SysML tools are quite mature and have considerable capabilities to capture, characterize, and connect information.</p> <p>A number of efforts are currently underway to maximize the value of SysML models, including the development of visualization, co-simulation, and robust model integration. An entire ecosystem of adjacent tools is evolving that will significantly impact the practice of systems engineering within the next five years. This paper presents an integrated look at publically-available information about existing worldwide efforts and their implications for systems engineering practitioners.</p>

Under the complex operational environment of the antimissile operation, the application of Systems Modeling Language (SysML) parametric model in weapon system effectiveness evaluation is explored. The function of parametric graph model, the construction process of the model and the optimization method of the model are researched. Using feedback mechanism to collect, collate and calculate the parameters of the model, and realize the leap from the index relationship description to the calculation of the index. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by using the system of antimissile weapon system as an example.

Traditional document‐based practices in systems engineering are being transitioned to model‐based ones. Adoption of model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) continues to grow in industry and government, and MBSE continues to be a major research theme in the systems engineering community. In fact, MBSE remains a central element in the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)’s vision for 2025. Examining systems engineering literature, this paper presents an assessment of the extent to which benefits and value of MBSE are supported by empirical evidence. A systematic review of research and practice papers in major systems engineering archival journals and conference proceedings was conducted. Evidence was categorized in four types, two of which inductively emerged from the results: measured, observed (without a formal measurement process), perceived (claimed without evidence), and backed by other references. Results indicate that two thirds of claimed MBSE benefits are only supported by perceived evidence, while only two papers reported measured evidence. The aggregate assessment presented in this paper indicates that claims about the value and benefits of MBSE are mainly based on expectation. We argue that evidence supporting the value and benefits of MBSE remains inconclusive.

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and the Object Management Group (OMG) are collaborating on an initiative to extend the Unified Modeling Language™ (UML™) to provide a general‐purpose systems modeling language. The language will support the specification, analysis, design, verification and validation of complex systems that include software‐intensive, information‐intensive, and physical systems. To achieve this goal, the OMG issued a UML for Systems Engineering Request for Proposal (UML for SE RFP) in March 2003. The modeling language that satisfies the requirements of this RFP will be a key enabler for transitioning the practice of systems engineering from a document‐centric to a model‐centric approach. This paper describes the technical approach and language features of the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), which is being proposed in response to the UML for SE RFP.

Nowadays, in software, electronics and automotive industries, it takes 1.5–2 years for a new product to appear, although it takes 3 or even more years to develop new space instruments. The update of higher education system standards is even more conservative. It takes 10 or more years. Because of this, graduates come into the industry with outdated knowledge. Thus, the problem is to synchronize the processes of updating technologies that ensure the creation of innovative products with educational programs. It can be solved by changing the paradigm of products creation based on the synthesis of deep and interdisciplinary educational, scientific, innovative and production activities with the model-based systems engineering software and methodological tools.The existing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) Software (SW) tools based on the Systems Modelling Language (SysML) are complex and expensive. This chapter raises the question, “Is it possible to make use of MBSE SW and methodological tools available to a wide audience of users?” To answer this question, the following MBSE approaches and tools were researched: Quality Function Deployment (QFD), House of Quality (HoQ), and SysML. Consequently, five methodological tools were developed for application during space instruments design and development life cycle stages. Tools are based on SysML, QFD, HoQ improvements and synthesis, and expressed in theoretical and practical algorithms.The theoretical algorithm determines “What” (input and output data) and “How” (by using which systems engineering (including MBSE) tools are methodically analysed at the certain space instruments life cycle stage. The practical algorithm automates the development of SysML diagrams by using data structured in HoQ models and widely available SW. It reduces the time to develop and update SysML requirements diagrams from several days to some minutes and enables implementation of SysML SW by many users. Altogether, the obtained results constitute the software and methodological toolkit (SMT) called “improved Quality Function Deployment for improved House of Quality”.To disseminate the obtained results, educational materials were created and validated during lectures on systems engineering. Lectures were supplemented with seminars and practicum. Practicum was focused on the design and development (D&D) of nanosatellites in the MBSE paradigm as the single project. The results showed that the developed SMT makes it possible to implement the life cycle of the cyber-physical system in the MBSE paradigm in a cost-effective way and a short time—in 6 months, students developed, conducted synthesis and flight tests of CubeSat-format satellite prototype and prepared the project documentation. In addition, students were motivated to study science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, MBSE tools, and become transdisciplinary specialists.In addition, developed SysML requirements models were applied to examine the “Preliminary Design” product life cycle (PLC) stage of different space projects. Such application allowed quick assessment of project results, identifying non-compliance with requirements, conducting beforehand all necessary corrections and generating correct new product documentation. Taking into account the mentioned advantages of the obtained MBSE SMT, it can be concluded that its usage improves the quality and accuracy of current projects and speeds up the planning process of future analogue projects by up to 60%. Consequently, projects (their life cycle stages) can be realized faster by 5–10%.These results allow to recommend for all interested in the innovative D&D of systems to initiate: formation of educational programs based on the project approach and MBSE paradigm; preparation of MBSE materials for online and offline teaching of students and teachers; development of domestic widely available software for the development of integrated SysML models with HoQ models that assures synchronization with CAE/CAD/CAM systems; support these recommendations for the implementation of the above-mentioned research results at educational organizations of different levels. The future research is focused on the application of the developed MBSE methodological toolkit during design and development with numerical modelling and operation of several CubeSat satellites.KeywordsSystems engineeringMBSEParadigmMethodological toolkitSysMLQFDHoQ

“Model-based Systems Engineering” is currently a hot topic at INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering). It involves multidisciplinary development based on the usage of models as main artifact. The frequent use of models during the development of the pico-satellite MOVE (Munich Orbital Verification Experiment) was attributed to the long history of the chair for astronautics at the TU München with Systems Engineering. The development of MOVE displayed many of the characteristics of a real-world multidisciplinary engineering project and resulted in a successful space flight of the engineered satellite. Within the satellite, communication was lead through a central bus between the different components and required expertise and coordination from all of the involved disciplines. An equivalent task of distributing information and energy can be found in automotive engineering: in the wire-harness. In contrast to the satellite bus, it does not distribute centrally created coordination commands, but supports the orchestration between distributed systems. Even though these two systems and their development processes are inherently different, they exhibit similar difficulties during their design phase (e.g. with compatibility) and can be modeled similarly. This paper uses the design of satellite bus systems and automotive wire-harnesses as examples, describes their common pitfalls, explains “Model-based Systems Engineering” and demonstrates how the development of communication systems in both satellite and automotive engineering can benefit from relying on it in early design and concept phases.

The use of systems engineering has proven effective in managing complexity and improving system design. Model based system engineering utilizing the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) especially helps in multidisciplinary environments where engineering data needs to be transformed and integrated between environments. Manufacturing is another discipline same as systems engineering is on active digitalization transformation. In the paper, we propose method and solution to apply Model based system engineering (MBSE) for improvement of process planning of assembly lines leveraging model based approach. SysML modeling and execution enable automation of analysis activities as trade‐off, where the behavior of various assembly scenarios of an assembly line can be captured using SysML behavioral diagrams and compared based on various evaluation criteria. However, relying solely on descriptive SysML system models without integrating the virtual representation of the assembly line is insufficient to verify all aspects of system behavior, such as ergonomics and collision avoidance. The main objective of this work is to present a concept for transforming SysML assembly scenarios into the process and resources models of the computer‐aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) environment. This yields a holistic view that serves as a foundation for further production‐related simulations and analyses, enhancing efficiency, ergonomic design, factory layout, and material flow, ensuring effective assembly workstation design optimized at systems engineering level.

Systems engineering is a transdisciplinary scientific and applied direction that combines the principles of a systems approach, methods, tools and standards that provide an integrated methodology and relevant technologies for the design and development of complex systems, their comprehensive analysis and verification, efficient and safe use. The modern approach to systems engineering is characterized by an accentuated modeling of systems throughout their life cycle with the ultimate goal of creating their digital twins. It is called model-based systems engineering (MBSE). Consistent integration of MBSE with software engineering leads to the formation of the MBSSE (Model-Based Systems and Software Engineering) direction. This textbook is devoted to this area, the main objective of which is to study the conceptual and scientific-methodological foundations of MBSE and MBSSE, models and methods of life cycle management of systems and software, basic standards of systems engineering, study and mastery of the UML and SysML systems modeling languages and the corresponding modeling tools, study of requirements engineering methods and development of a description of the system architecture, familiarization with the concept of digital twins and their role in MBSE, study of the MBSSE reference model and its relationship with the process standards of systems engineering, study of the methodological aspects of the system and software integration process. The final chapter of the textbook is devoted to the study of the mathematical foundations of systems engineering. The main aspects of the mathematical theory of systems by A. Wayne Wymore, which became an important stimulus for the development of the model-oriented approach in systems engineering, and modern research, including the apparatus of finite automata by David Harel, the formalism of modeling of discrete systems DEVS, research into category theory as a formal mathematical basis for model-based system design are considered. The authors recommend this course as a basic course for training IT professionals.

Very small entities, organizations with up to 25 people, are very important to the worldwide economy. The products they develop are either developed specifically for a customer or are integrated into products made by larger enterprises. To address the needs of Very small entities, a set of standards and guides have been developed using the systems engineering lifecycle standard ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 as the main framework. The systems engineering handbook, developed by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), is used as the reference for the development of a set of systems engineering deployment packages. Two pilot projects, using the new ISO/IEC 29110 guide for systems engineering, are presented as well as a cost and savings analysis. Finally, the certification scheme is discussed as well as the future developments.KeywordsVSEISO/IEC 29110ISOStandards

<title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>The International Council on Systems Engineering <ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://www.incose.org/">https://www.incose.org/</ext-link> is a recognized standards body defining a system engineering knowledge-base, but this knowledge falls short of fully recognizing manufacturing in the Systems Engineering (SE) framework. To be inclusive, Manufacturing needs to join in the initiative of Model Based Systems Engineering to be relevant and succeed in the digital transformation in the field of systems engineering. This paper addresses this need in manufacturing by applying Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) to the identification and management of key characteristics so that a more relevant set of Manufacturing requirements can be introduced into the MBSE construct and help realize manufacturing resilience and become a full SE partner.</p> <p><bold>Citation:</bold> “Identification and Management of Key Characteristics in Product Development Using Model Based Systems Engineering,” In <italic>Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium</italic> (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 15-17, 2023.</p>

This study compares the types and quantities of knowledge that are captured by a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) approach and a traditional architecting approach to measure the benefits of the MBSE approach in managing the complexity of a robotic space system. The MBSE approach was implemented with Cameo Systems Modeler using Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and applied to architecting an orbiting sample Capture and Orient Module (COM) system concept for a Capture, Containment, and Return System payload concept for potential Mars Sample Return. An architecture framework was established, covering system, subsystem, and assembly levels, along with structure, behavior, data, and requirements perspectives. The COM system architecture was captured in parallel using both the MBSE and non‐MBSE approaches in order to provide a side‐by‐side comparison of the approaches. The approaches were evaluated based on how well each represented the information content of the COM system architecture. A total of 4389 knowledge elements were classified using the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy knowledge dimension and used to quantitatively compare the two approaches. The MBSE approach more completely captured architectural knowledge than the non‐MBSE approach. Limitations to the SysML‐based MBSE approach were also identified, including its ability to fully represent certain high‐level conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive knowledge such as design principles, design approaches and rationales, risks, development strategies and rationales, organizational core competencies, and requirement verification methods. The overall results demonstrate the benefits of MBSE in managing the complexity of robotic space systems and strengthen the case for adopting MBSE within the systems engineering community.

As the International Council On Systems Engineering (INCOSE) internationalizes its mission, there is a need to address the advancement of the Systems Engineering practice in all environments where improvement opportunities are achievable. This paper is an analysis of the application of Systems Engineering disciplines for commercial infrastructure systems development. The analysis addresses areas where Systems Engineering Science can be translated from a military context to assist sister projects on the commercial side of the industry. The paper also encourages INCOSE to consider the external side of its mission, and to find a culture that will assist those who need to know, instead of internally preaching to those who already know. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 2: 212–216, 1999

In the connected age of the model‐based enterprise and model‐based systems engineering (MBSE), new systems engineering tools are needed to move from a functional, document‐centric, hierarchical view of data and information to the individual units of data or data element level view. Data element mapping and analysis (DEMA) is a technology‐agnostic analytical methodology that combines traditional functional analysis techniques, systems engineering elicitation practices, and novel data mapping techniques to provide a holistic view of a system's data and information flows at the individual units of data (data element level). In this research, DEMA was utilized to enable an enhanced system definition for the development of a verification and validation process as applied to a modeling and simulation environment. DEMA uncovered and visually mapped the hidden flow of approximately 1600 data vessel occurrences as inputs or outputs to 79 functional activities in 23 disparate storage locations. The results reveal that DEMA is a practical tool for both improving existing systems and defining new systems. The data element level view captured by DEMA can be used to define the interconnections between the system elements that are input to systems modeling language (SysML) models. Therefore, DEMA is a necessary and novel tool that can be used to enable system digitalization.

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) has initiated a Future of Systems Engineering (FuSE) program that includes a stream for advancing the theoretical foundations of the discipline of Systems Engineering (SE). A near‐term goal of FuSE is to assess the adequacy of current theoretical foundations of SE. The discipline of SE is converging toward model‐based practices (i.e., MBSE) that have not yet reached the maturity of model‐based practices in other engineering domains. For example, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics are grounded in mathematical theory, while, generally, MBSE is not. However, some attempts have been made to underpin MBSE with theoretical richness. This article presents a systematic literature study that surveyed state of the art on providing MBSE with mathematical foundations. Our protocol collected over 2000 publications that were reviewed for inclusion/exclusion, categorized, and analyzed. We provide insights to the type of mathematical theories used, domains of applications, and areas of SE to which the math was applied to, among other analysis. We also provide a synthesized discussion about the field moving forward, emphasizing positive trends along with the negatives and areas of concern. Overall, we found the field to be nascent.

This paper highlights the accomplishments and shared vision between the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and the Modeling and Simulation community (represented by the Society for Modeling and Simulation, International (SCS), and Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO, among others). We describe convergence between the model-based systems engineering initiative of the INCOSE community and the model-based simulation developments of the SCS community. The goal is not only to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of our time, but also to emphasize the parallels and relationships. The paper is intended to enhance communications and facilitate the outreach already in motion. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) represents a core capability and need for addressing today’s complex and grand challenges. We suggest a collaboration of INCOSE and SCS, as leaders in the systems and M&S communities, to solve these challenges complicated by multi-dimensional, hierarchical, and uncertain Big Data and propelled by exascale computational platforms.