Definition of a Pattern Applicability Index for design patterns of Earth Observation Missions operating in LEO

Time and cost constraints (faster and cheaper) are challenging the design and development of satellites and payloads in order to maintain the quality of the final product. Injection of disrupting technologies/solution and improvement of the efficiency in applying heritage and existing processes are two non-exclusive ways company can leverage to emerge. The organization of explicit and implicit knowledge into patterns, used to improve multiple activities in the design process, is a way to address the efficiency of the design and development process. However, patterns identification and application might be challenged by the absence of a shared taxonomy and ontology, the level of detail that needs to be captured, and the complexity of the working framework. The preliminary design of a spacecraft (payload and platform) might benefit from re use of patterns in a framework where figure of merits and patterns are linked in a validated application and selection framework. Identification of patterns can foster within the disciplines, cross-disciplines, whereas the figure of merits might be extremely powerful if connecting several disciplines. The final effect would be a solution close to the compliance to the requirements, yet affordable in terms of cost and schedule and realization. This work addresses the need for an extension and validation of the newborn PBSE framework, as well as the need for quantitative metrics to measure the applicability of patterns. The methodology leverages Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles, exploiting behavioral modeling to capture the dynamic characteristics of the system under design. This dynamic perspective allows the identification of hidden dependencies and the detection of potential design inconsistencies by describing time-dependent or interaction-driven aspects of the system that may be overlooked by traditional static indicators. A framework is therefore developed to quantify and compare the performance of alternative pattern configurations via dynamic figures of merit (FOMs). The goal is to enable trade-off analyses between design options in both platform and payload domains. These FOMs serve as key indicators to evaluate the system’s performance, providing a path to get a quantitative metric for patterns selection during preliminary design phases, called Pattern Applicability Index (PAI). Using CAMEO Systems Modeler, a set of behavioral diagrams is analyzed to extract dynamic FOMs. In parallel, the extended PBSE framework is validated through three example of possible Earth observation mission case studies. The thesis offers a possible enhancement of the existing PBSE via introduction of FOM-based quantitative evaluation and MBSE behavioral modeling. The extended framework aims at improving system comprehension, supports informed trade-offs, and contributes to more robust and efficient system design processes. The thesis will provide benefits and points to be further elaborated to make the enhanced framework effective. Keywords: Pattern-Based Systems Engineering, configurational patterns, dynamic figures of merit, MBSE, behavioral modelling, CAMEO Systems Modeler, trade-off analysis, payload and platform design, Earth Observation.