Applied Space Systems Engineering

A Practical Approach to Achieving Technical Baselines

Course Description:

This course examines the practical application of space systems engineering processes throughout the life cycle. The course is aimed at developing real-world appreciation for how these processes can be realistically applied within the project environment to produce effective space systems. Using a combination of lecture, interactive discussions and group exercises, the course presents a detailed review of 17 major systems engineering processes within three major categories: Design, Realization and Systems Engineering Management. A detailed end-to-end space system case study is used to translate theory to practice by illustrating detailed how-to examples for achieving and establishing each major technical baseline throughout the mission life cycle. Most of the material presented in the course comes from Applied Space Systems Engineering (provided to all participants). This is normally a five-day course with the option for a 3-day version tailored to specific needs (e.g. cost estimating, or logical decomposition).

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course you will have the knowledge, tools and experience to enter any phase of the space mission life cycle and apply systems engineering processes to achieve practical results. At the end of this course, you'll walk away with....

Enhanced understanding of the big picture of space systems engineering processes and their application in the mission life cycle
A detailed working knowledge of the practical steps needed to execute each of the 17 systems engineering processes
Practical experience applying systems engineering processes to example space system problems
Organized framework for future space learning—on your own, in academic courses, or other short courses

Course Topics: Overview of Space Systems Engineering Processes

Designing Systems
Stakeholder Expectations and Requirements
Operations Concept and Mission Architecture Development
Technical Requirements Engineering
Logical Decomposition & Physical Solutions
Realizing Systems
System Implementation (buying/building/re-using)
System Integration
System Verification & Validation
System Transition
Managing the System Engineering Processes
Cost Analysis
Risk & Decision Analysis
Technical Planning
Systems Engineering Management Planning
Configuration & Technical Data Management
Technical Reviews
Detailed End-to-End Case Study - Practical Hands-on Exercises to Reinforce Course Topics

Who Should Attend:

Systems engineers, payload principle investigators, subsystem engineers or project managers involved in any phase of the space mission life cycle.

Course Materials:

Each participant will receive: A copy of the course text Applied Space Systems Engineering edited by Larson, Kirkpatrick, Sellers, Thomas and Verma (to be published Summer 2008); and, A complete set of course notes with copies of all slides used in the presentations