Building Blocks Architecture
- Paper number
IAC-08.B4.7.4
- Author
Dr. Massimiliano Pastena, Carlo Gavazzi Space S.p.A., Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Antonio Fortunato, Carlo Gavazzi Space S.p.A., Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Vilfrido Lo Rizzo, Carlo Gavazzi Space S.p.A., Italy
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Different approaches have been proposed over the years in order to cope with the challenging features characterizing space systems. Spacecraft design evolved from solutions completely tailored on the mission to be accomplished to more and more general strategies allowing for reuse and, consequently, reductions in costs and development time. Some of the concepts commonly implemented in the space industry at present involve standard platforms and modular architectures. These solutions have meaningful advantages but do not necessarily represent the best strategy in a lot of noteworthy situations. Building blocks architectures represent a novel approach with the potentiality to overcome most of the problems common to all the other solutions: among them particular focus is kept on cross-platform compatibility. The basic principle is to realize spacecrafts, and, in general, systems, through the combination of simple independent building blocks. A system’s element to qualify as a building block needs to be self-standing, to have standard interfaces and to be able to interoperate with other building blocks. These features, together with the adoption of common international standards, allow for a completely new design approach: the focus can be moved from low level implementation details to the high level interaction among blocks. The final aim of building blocks architectures is to provide modular, expandable and plug and play systems that can be assembled in custom arrangements, qualified and launched in a fraction of the time and cost presently needed to put in place a space mission. The adoption of such an approach might ease the access to space leading to more and more actors benefiting from the advantages of space based applications. This paper covers a description of the basic principles underlying the building blocks approach and specifically addresses technical as well as economical and management issues from a very general and comprehensive perspective.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B4.7.4.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.