Systems Engineering Challenges on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission

Abstract

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) began its journey to Mars on August 12, 2005 with a spectacular launch on an Atlas V launch vehicle. As with any deep space mission, the journey for MRO engineers began many years earlier with the design and development of the MRO spacecraft and its plan for operations. This is the period in the mission’s evolution from concept to reality, where high-level requirements transform into an integrated system ready for flight. Even after launch, final development of the primary science phase operations continued for another full year as MRO completed a 7-month cruise, Mars orbit insertion, and a 5-month aerobraking phase to place the spacecraft in its final science orbit. In order for MRO to fulfill its destiny to dramatically advance our knowledge and understanding of Mars, the systems engineering team had to first overcome some key challenges beyond previous Mars missions. Examples of these key challenges include: 1) development of an integrated science planning process, utilizing spacecraft-loaded Integrated Target List (ITL), to support six science instruments with diverse scientific objectives; 2) implementation of an end-to-end data system to support downlink data rates up to 6 Mbit/sec, and deliver data from deep space network antennas, to JPL and distribute data products to science teams; 3) use of the spacecraft’s Solid State Recorder (SSR) to store science data, coupled with a ground commanded data retransmission strategy to optimize data return; and 4) design of Operational Readiness Tests (ORTs) utilizing high fidelity spacecraft test-beds to validate operational scenarios, processes and flight team certification. Using these examples, this paper will explore the corresponding driving requirements, the technical obstacles encountered, and the corresponding system engineering responses that have successfully enabled MRO to begin it primary science mission on November 11, 2006.