Virtual Product Development Cost Assessment Model for Space Systems

Abstract

Current space developments rely heavily on engineering and manage ment automation tools such as computer aided design software, finite element analysis, product lifecycle management software, virtual prototyping, and material resource planning. Virtual Product Development tools now allow design decisions to be made base d on accurate physics -based simulations with parametric trade -offs. These tools are constantly evolving and bring their own risks and benefits depending on the application. This paper proposes a framework for programs and companies to model, define, and m easure the maturity of their Virtual Product Development Process. This framework, called the Virtual Product Development Maturity Model (VPDMM), distinguishes between five levels of maturity in the use of design automation tools and their application to de sign, engineering analysis, manufacturing, and data sharing. The characterization of each maturity level is defined within the areas of data, tools, people, and design processes. This model is particularly important for space missions and programs becaus e of the unique nature of space systems and the difficulty in using physical tests to explore the design space. The paper illustrates a systematic application of the model for the best practice of determining the cost of complex space system developments.