Satellite development worldwide has significantly changed within the last decade and has been accelerated and optimized by modern simulation tools. The classic method of developing and testing several models of a satellite and its subsystems with the aim to build a pre-flight and finally a flight model is being replaced more and more by a considerably faster and more inexpensive method. The new approach no longer includes functional test models on entire spacecraft level but a system simulation. Thus overall project runtimes can be shortened. But also significantly more complex systems can be managed and success oriented tests on integration and software level can be realized before the launch. Applying modern simulation infrastructures already during spacecraft development phase, enables the consistent functionality checking of all systems both in detail and concerning their interaction. Furthermore, they enable checks of the system's proper functionality, their reliability and safety / redundancy. But also analysis regarding aging and lifetime issues can be performed by simulation. Project-related simulations of operational scenarios, for example with remote sensing satellites, and the checking of different operational modes are of similar importance. On the whole, risk is reduced significantly and the satellite can be produced in a considerably more cost efficient way, with higher quality and in shorter periods of time. Therefore "Simulating Spacecraft Systems" - the title of the present book - is an important domain of modern system engineering, which meanwhile has successfully established a position in many other sectors of industry and research, too.
This book for the first time provides a consistent presentation on the application of functional system simulation in spacecraft development - covering the entire process from spacecraft design to final verification. The book treats the diverse simulator types and their application in the subsequent steps of a spacecraft engineering process. Furthermore it covers the topics of spacecraft equipment modeling for simulation, simulator numerics, software design and software engineering technology. Up to date research topics in both simulation technology and applications are handled as well.
Instructive examples, from professional simulator applications in space industry as well as examples from an advanced academic small satellite program, treat the subject according to the latest state of research and technology. Extensive literature references round off the documentation.
The book is equally applicable for students as well as for experts of many engineering disciplines in industry. It is suitable for introduction and reference in modern simulation based system engineering.
