1. Systems Engineering for Space Vehicles Bryan Palaszewski with the Digital Learning Network NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH

2. Introduction What is systems engineering? How does systems engineering apply to space missions? How does systems engineering help us explore space?

3. What is Systems Engineering? (1/4) Systems engineering is a process by which all of the important aspects or subsystems of space vehicles and their interactions are introduced, studied, and used. The interactions of the systems are studied, making sure they all work together harmoniously.

4. What is Systems Engineering? (2/4) “Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach encompassing the entire technical effort to evolve and verify an integrated and life-cycle balanced set of system people, product, and process solutions that satisfy customer needs." Shishko, R., NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, NASA SP-6105, 1995.

5. What is Systems Engineering? (3/4) “Systems engineering is a robust approach to the design, creation, and operation of systems. In simple terms, the approach consists of identification and quantification of system goals, creation of alternative system design concepts, performance of design trades, selection and implementation of the best design, …

6. What is Systems Engineering? (4/4) … verification that the design is properly built and integrated, and post-implementation assessment of how well the system meets (or met) the goals.” Shishko, R., NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, NASA SP- 6105, 1995.

7. How Does Systems Engineering Apply To Space Missions? (1/2) Space vehicles are very complex with many subsystems. Each subsystem has many components, and the interactions of those components can lead to unexpected or unpredictable results.

8. How Does Systems Engineering Apply To Space Missions? (2/2) Safe and reliable operation of a spacecraft requires a rich knowledge of these interactions.

9. How Does Systems Engineering Help Us Explore Space? The process of systems engineering identifies potential flaws in the space vehicle before launch. Systems engineering allows for safer missions, and a better chance for mission success.

10. Typical Subsystems (1/3) Propulsion Power Power processing Structures Heat transfer Fluid systems Telecommunications

11. Propulsion

12. Power: Solar Array

14. Power Processing Changes power at one set current and voltage into the proper currents and voltages for other parts of the spacecraft. Test hardware for power processor

15. Structures

18. Heat Transfer: Radiator for Heat Rejection

19. Typical Subsystems (2/3) Attitude control Navigation Mechanisms Payload(s) Docking (under Mechanisms, etc.) Life support

20. Guidance, Navigation, and Control Subsystem

21. Environmental Control and Life Support Subsystem

22. Typical Subsystems (3/3) Pyrotechnics Cabling Configuration control Other aspects: –Environments (radiation, contamination) –Vibration testing, overall system testing –Fracture control (propellant tankage) –Simulation, Information Technology, and many others

23. Layout of Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) Vehicle