The Use of Multi-role Components in a Systems of Systems Infrastructure

Paper number

IAC-07-D3.2.08

Author

Mr. Mark Hempsell, University of Bristol, United Kingdom

Year

2007

Abstract

The space infrastructure, by definition, is an interacting set of systems (hardware, software and organisational) that provides the capability to undertake space activity. The space based hardware systems include a diverse range of elements such as launch system, orbital transfer stages, space stations and manned transport vehicles, data transfer systems and navigation systems. These are all produced using the normal aerospace industry development practices and in particular the majority use of bespoke components. Even when a unit or system is reused, it is through serendipity in that a unit developed for a different role “just happens” to have a functionality that meets a new role.

This paper explores the implications of intentionally developing components without a specific system in mind but with a generic functionality that would have applicability over all the elements of the space infrastructure. In some cases such is in life support this approach is rather obvious. Of more interest are some less intuitive synergies where the implementation of additional functions in the component has low mass and cost impact. In these cases the widening market for the component means more development investment in it can reduce mass to the extent that a multi-function component may weigh and cost less than the bespoke equivalent even though it incorporates many functions that are not required by all of the various specific systems using it. 

To achieve generic functionality in a component will require the use of a Function Based Requirement Generation process. To illustrate this approach in practice the paper looks at perhaps the most promising application of this philosophy, which is an Integrated Avionics Suite for space applications. This is a single unit that would contain a complete suite of avionics including navigation, attitude determination, external and internal environment monitoring, data processing, and flight control functions. 

The operation of the Function Based Requirements Generation process needs a feasibility design to establish the technical requirements and a provisional concept is outlined. It uses comparisons and parametric data from other systems that have similar underlying philosophies such as the ISIS (Integrated Standby Instrument System) and this demonstrates the unit would have a mass of just a few kilograms. It is argued this demonstrates that the multi-role approach to space infrastructure system components promises very substantial reduction of risk, cost and mass. 

Abstract document

IAC-07-D3.2.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-D3.2.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.