Applying MBSE in Space Based Systems Development

Abstract A core challenge in modern systems engineering is executing the Digital Transformation to produce Digital Engineering (DE) products that meet traditional program needs. Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) focuses the formal application of models to support the systems engineering process, but is often difficult to apply in practice due to a lack of a well‐defined methodology. This paper first introduces an openly available MBSE methodology concentrating on a development process for system architecture models, a style guide defining how the process steps are executed, and a validation suite which serves as a tool to help execute development. Then, this paper describes the experience in applying this process to a DoD program developing a space‐based sensor system to a Critical Design Review (CDR) level of maturity. Real‐life successes and lessoned learned are described through model metric data pulled directly from the SysML development model. This paper concludes by identifying opportunities for future research/work from which to further build the DE/MBSE capabilities of the model.