Spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test Enhancement

MDA space–based sensor satellite payloads include a collection of subsystems operating in coordination with one another, interacting with the satellite bus and the ground station. The traditional approach for developing sensor payloads involves a long sequence of development, integration, and testing for development of stand-alone payload capability, integration of the payload with the satellite bus, and integration of the payload with the ground station systems. This serial approach to payload development results in a lengthy development process. This proposal presents an approach for developing a simulation-centric platform for payload development. This simulation platform will support simulated testing at the various stages of the payload development process; design, embedded software development, prototype integration, full system integration, testing, training. By supporting a program from the start, this approach will greatly reduce the time and cost of payload integration and testing. Payload integrators can recombine simulation modules to perform pure simulation, software-in-the-loop simulation, man-in-the-loop simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop simulation. Module reuse accelerates the entire integration process from design phase, through embedded software development, prototype integration, full system integration testing, and training. Module duplication also allows integrators to perform parallel tasks to further shorten a program''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s timeline and reduce technical risk.