Integration And Verification Of A Command And Data Handling Subsystem For Nano-satellite Projects With Critical Time Constraints: DELFI-C3

Paper number

IAC-07-D1.5.03

Author

Mr. Bram Vaartjes, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Rob Hamann, Technical University of Delft (TUDelft), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Rouzbeh Amini, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Year

2007

Abstract

Running behind schedule is not uncommon in satellite projects and it usually leaves the last phases, integration and verification, pressed for time. Rushing integration and verification can have mission threatening consequences; existing errors are left undiscovered and new errors are introduced in possibly any area: Mechanical, Electrical and/or Software. Software together with electronics generally take up most of the time of the integration and verification phase and that is why this paper addresses possible means to successfully integrate and verify a Command and Data Handling Subsystem when pressed for time. 

Limited time forces quick decision-making and an analysis of the integration and verification phase of Delfi-C3 is to determine whether all the right decisions were made. This, amongst other things, means tracing back delays and other set backs to the root: bad decisions. Decisions are analyzed to find out whether they were good and if they were not to find out what went wrong : was it due to a lack of knowledge, a lack of communication, a lack of planning? A risk assessment identifies the impact of particular decisions and ranks them according to criticality. The attained information from the Delfi-C3 integration and verification phase is used to examine standard integration and verification procedures and see where they come up short when it comes to a limited availability of time. Adjustments to the standard procedures are suggested and possible limited time related tools and methods are described.

Delfi-C3 is the student nano-satellite from Delft University of Technology. The project started in November 2004 and delivery is scheduled for April 2007. Subsystem hardware and software tests started in January 2007.

Abstract document

IAC-07-D1.5.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-D1.5.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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