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Effective Model-Based Systems Engineering framework for academic nanosatellite project management and design

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Abstract

Nanosatellites, as a standardized Space research project with fast and cost-effective development possibilities, have enabled universities in a growing number of emerging countries to develop a wide range of space missions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This paper aims to contribute to research efforts to improve the success of university nanosatellite missions using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to facilitate the initial project management and design phases. The proposed model-based approach is the result of experience gained from the MASAT1 project, a Moroccan university nanosatellite, and it is based on an architectural framework that allows the system to be described via a set of views. The management and design process is based on a reference framework based on existing standards such as ESA’s European Cooperation for Spatial Standardization (ECSS). The choice fell on the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) for the MBSE implementation with the future goal of developing executable SysML Modeling approaches.

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Funding

This work was supported by the CNRST under grand PPR/2015/12.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Industrial Technologies and Services Laboratory, Higher School of Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

    Ahmed Hanafi & Zakaria Moutakki

  2. LIMAS Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University Fez, Fez, Morocco

    Mohamed Karim

  3. School of Science and Engineering, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Ifrane, Morocco

    Tajjeeddine Rachidi

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  1. Ahmed Hanafi
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  2. Zakaria Moutakki
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Correspondence to Ahmed Hanafi.

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Hanafi, A., Moutakki, Z., Karim, M. et al. Effective Model-Based Systems Engineering framework for academic nanosatellite project management and design. CEAS Space J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-024-00542-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-024-00542-2

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