Development and Demonstration of SSTSim, A Simulation Environment for Space System On-Orbit Simulation

With the appropriate analytical resources, the Space & Missile Technology Directorate will be able to "look into the future" of the development of space system technologies, development which spans definition, acquisition, and operations phases. For example, developers will be able to clearly quantify system requirements before system acquisition begins, use component test data to predict overall system performance before full system integration occurs, and determine system operation timelines and conduct operator training well before actual system testing and operations are initiated. The ultimate goal of this program is to provide the Space & Missile Technology Directorate with a Space Systems Technology Simulation (SSTSim) environment which can address space system development issues at the appropriate scope and level of fidelity throughout all phases of development. The Phase I goals of this program are to both develop AND demonstrate a prototype SSTSim. More specifically, Phase I technical objectives are twofold. First, define SSTSim segments for a strawman satellite on-orbit simulation. Segments include command center, communications network, satellite platform/payload and proctor functions. Second, develop and demonstrate both analysis and realtime interactive operations capabilities of SSTSim.