The Design of a Spaceborne Distributed Radar Sounder to Observe Antarctica and Address Climate Change: Exploring Model-Based Systems Engineering Methodology

Climate change, which is responsible for several phenomena such as the rise of sea level, the loss of biodiversity, and negative impacts on human health, is one of the main threats to society. In response to this issue, with the objective of mitigating its impact, initiatives have been proposed and new technologies are developed. In this context, spaceborne solutions play a key role, providing systems that can observe Earth and the environment. Although many satellites have been launched to observe and provide information about the planet, there are still data gaps that are essential for a comprehensive understanding of climate change, and bridging them is vital to tackle this global issue. The observation of Antarctica offers key insights about climate change, and by monitoring Antarctic ice sheets, information on climate change trends can be obtained. Radar sounding is a powerful instrument that can provide important data on the Antarctic subsurface. In detail, radar sounding can be used not only to measure the thickness of ice sheets, but also to obtain information about the internal stratigraphy of ice, the interfaces of the glacier bed, and the subglacial networks of water and lakes. These insights are essential to understanding the behaviour of ice and its response to climate change. Several airborne surveys have been conducted to collect information on the Antarctic subsurface. However, these have resulted in low-resolution data, and extended areas have not been observed. For this reason, the development of a spaceborne radar sounder can represent a valuable solution to monitor the Antarctic subsurface, since its capability of observing completely the region and of providing ice sheets data with better resolution. Systems engineering plays a key role in developing space solutions such as a spaceborne radar sounder. The aim of systems engineering is to provide a structured approach that transforms needs into solutions. However, this design process can present significant challenges in managing complexity. In this context, Model-Based Systems Engineering represents an effective methodology for designing space systems, contributing to the management of complexity, overcoming data inconsistency exchange, and reducing costs and development time. In addition, challenges related to intricate decision making, interdependencies with external and internal factors, and evolving requirements can be addressed. The aim of this thesis is to design a space system to observe Antarctic subsurface, contributing to Earth Observation and addressing climate change. Throughout the design process, the systems engineering approach and Model-Based Systems Engineering methodology are explored. By adopting systems engineering thinking and two Model-Based System Engineering tools, the objective of the work is not only to define a solution that can meet the needs of stakeholders, but also to understand the benefits of Model-Based System Engineering methodology. The thesis aims to provide practical insights on modelling, illustrate the methods adopted, discuss strategies to overcome challenges, and promote the use of the selected tools.