Systems Engineering for Commercial Space Programs

A systems engineering approach has been developed at the Space and Communications Group (SCG) of Hughes Aircraft Company which has proven highly successful for commercial space programs. Success is defined by the profit-making delivery and operation of advanced communications satellites. The key elements of the approach include: Assignment of a team of highly motivated individuals with knowledge in each of the key technical areas of the program. Co-location of the team with the satellite program office. Use of the same team from the beginning of the program through system test and onorbit check-out. Assignment to the team of the lead role as the program technical conscience and problem solvers. A well understood systems engineering process. The process includes maintenance of estimates of system performance throughout the development and test phases, careful management of design resources and interfaces, and a strong linkage between system requirements and verification planning and implementation. MIL-STD-499A requirements were not considered in the development of the process. Nevertheless, comparison with MIL-STD-499A reveals a number of similarities which are noted.