A Framework for Assessing Readiness of Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing Organization

Abstract

Purpose: The success of satellites in orbit depends on the quality of the engineering processes adopted in the development cycle of the mission. The facilities and processes provided by Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) laboratories support the verification and validation of satellite´ systems regarding their capacities to operating into space environmental conditions. Choose an ideal AIT organization to a particular satellite project requires knowing their processes and services provided. This paper presents a framework for evaluating the services for satellite AIT provided by an AIT organization. The framework, named PRONT-AIT, allows to assess the organization’s readiness based on both process areas and criteria of adherence to the stakeholder´s requirements. Methodology/approach – Inspired by the CMMI model, the PRONT-AIT framework was structured in process areas, covering management and technical processes of the AIT organization, that supports 5 levels of readiness. Each readiness level expresses the organization maturity in terms of the processes and practices established to provide the services required by a particular space project. Findings – The framework’s effectiveness is demonstrated through its use to assess the readiness of a particular AIT organization on meeting the specific requirements of two types of satellites: remote sensing and CubeSat satellites. The results reveal that the example organization readiness fully reached level 2 (Manageable Readiness) for remote sensing satellite and partially reached level 2 for CubeSat satellite. Originality/value – The framework has a good value to satellite project managers because it supports them on evaluating an AIT organization prior to contracting its services. Higher readiness level revealed by PRONT-AIT gives to the satellite project manager more confidence on the AIT organization capacities. Thus, an AIT organization is not chosen solely on the basis of the facilities it offers and the cost of the services but also on the level of readiness revealed by PRONT-AIT.