Simulation from System Design to System Operations and Maintenance: Lessons Learned in European Space Programmes

Abstract

Simulation is a key activity that supports the specification, design, verification and operations of space systems. Traditionally, for the same European Space Programme, different simulation facilities are developed for different phases of the development life-cycle of space systems. Those facilities are often developed by different, independent, and geographically distributed parties, utilizing heterogeneous technologies and standards. In the last few years, a more comprehensive reuse strategy across the space mission life-cycle has been adopted in specific European Space Agency missions, namely in the Automated Transfer Vehicle and in the Lisa Pathfinder mission. This paper reports on those experiences. Guidelines are identified, allowing understanding, at early phases, the technical implications of reuse. The applied methodology also gives indications to the management, helping assess the actual feasibility and cost of the reuse of the existing simulators.