SESP 2012 - Workshop on Simulation and EGSE for Space Programmes (SESP)

The workshop is organised around the following 4 pillars, each with specific objectives.
Modelling and Simulation
Nowadays, simulation is a key activity that supports the specification, design, verification and operations of space systems. System modelling and simulation can support a number of use cases across the spacecraft development life-cycle, including activities such as system design validation, software verification & validation, spacecraft unit and sub-system test activities, etc.
As the use of modelling and simulation has grown, it has been recognised that a more coordinated and consistent approach to the development of simulation products across project phases can bring substantial benefits. This would promote the most effective use of simulation within the system engineering process to minimise the overall space programme schedule, risk and cost. Industrial experience has shown that a number of simulation and test facilities are procured which are common across all space programmes. Experience has also shown that there is much commonality between the infrastructure and models developed for each of these facilities. This experience has been captured in the ETM-10-21 “System Modelling and Simulation” Technical Memorandum [ETM_10_21] which provides guidance to system engineers on how to use system simulation to support their system engineering tasks with the following objectives:
? Maximise the benefits of using modelling and simulation in support to the Systems Engineering function.
? Reduce effort in developing and maintaining simulators.
? Preserve investment in modelling a system, independently of the tools.
? Improve collaboration between involved teams and communities by addressing distribution and interoperability aspects.
? Facilitate reuse from phase to phase, project to project.
EGSE
As a major constituent of the infrastructure required in the manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing of space systems, the EGSE is of strategic importance to prime contractors in the formulation of their space system development programmes. In addition EGSE development is an important market sector for EGSE suppliers.
In common to the before-mentioned, the EGSE is strongly influenced by software and simulation. Within the testing domain, simulation brings flexibility to the AIT planning and scheduling. Hence another goal of the workshop is to identify how state-of-the-art and emerging information technology can benefit the Assembly, Integration and Test processes of space equipment.
Moreover, commonality between testing and operations is an area which can be exploited for potential benefits of common approaches.
An important related activity and subject of discussion in the workshop, is the European Ground Systems Common Core (EGS-CC). This initiative by European Space Primes and Space Agencies aims to develop a core for next generation EGSE and Operation systems to be used by all stakeholders supporting all types of space missions. The objectives are to:
? establish a significantly long-term sustainable product based on the past experience and potential re-use of components and concepts of existing systems
? allow for interoperability of facilities between project phases and between programmes (institutional and/or commercial).
? ensure consistency between spacecraft checkout and mission operations (e.g. for data validation and data re-use)
? ensure consistency between instrument, platform and S/C testing across several companies and institutions
? reduce development, maintenance and operational costs and risks.
? support the competitiveness of European Industry when supplying end-to-end space systems
? allow small and medium enterprises ("SME’s") to operate in a product oriented market, supplying quality products within a standardised context.
Data repositories
In support of the above mentioned processes there is an increasing need for data repositories in order to store, retrieve and maintain the System, Simulation and AIT data in a consistent manner. Data repositories are becoming core elements of modelling, simulation and verification facilities. Apart from implementation choices, the approach to the specification on functional and data level need to be coordinated to achieve semantic and functional interoperability between the different users of the data.
The objective are to:
? support Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)
? improve interoperability based on common data model
? improve re-use
? improve configurability and flexibility
? improve consistency
? separating functionality and data, allowing different views and manipulation
This area of System, Simulation and/or AIT data engineering is covered by the workshop and presentations of past experience and new approaches are welcomed.
Standards
Development of ECSS standards is an activity in which Industry is very much involved, both in terms of influencing the subjects to be standardised as well as participating to the development of standards. Related international standards such as CCSDS
Compliance with commonly agreed standards could open markets for suppliers and enhances coherence across European projects.
The objective of the workshop is to discuss the lessons learned applying standards in space projects, identify the problem issues and propose areas of improvement.