Comparison of Traditional Versus CubeSat Remote Sensing: A Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach

Abstract

This thesis compares the ability of both traditional and CubeSat remote sensing architectures to fulfill a set of mission requirements for a remote sensing scenario. Mission requirements originating from a hurricane disaster response scenario are developed to derive a set of system requirements. Using a Model-based Systems Engineering approach, these system requirements are used to develop notional traditional and CubeSat architecture models. The technical performance of these architectures is analyzed using Systems Toolkit (STK); the results are compared against Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) derived from the disaster response scenario. Additionally, systems engineering cost estimates are obtained for each satellite architecture using the Constructive Systems Engineering Cost Model (COSYSMO). The technical and cost comparisons between the traditional and CubeSat architectures are intended to inform future discussions relating to the benefits and limitations of using CubeSats to conduct operational missions.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 22, 2018
Accession Number
AD1056456

Entities

People

  • Daniel L Cipera

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Estimates
  • Cost Models
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Engineering
  • Model Based Systems Engineering
  • Remote Sensing
  • Satellite Buses
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Modeling Language

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Software Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites