Exploring the Benefits of a Model-Based Approach for Tests and Operational Procedures

Abstract

Traditional practices to specify tests and procedures for satellite manufacturing activities rely on handwritten specification in Word or PDF documents, provided as inputs for validation and verification activities (V&V) such as on-board software validation, functional chain validation, and assembly, integration, and test validation. Several optimizations of the V&V process have already been identified, and new tools and practices are progressively deployed in operational projects, but with a limited impact on planning. In complement to these works, and based on a large background in model-based system engineering (MBSE), Thales Alenia Space has started to define a new approach to introduce more formalism in the test and procedure activities, especially using the open-source Capella modeling tool and its associated methodology, Arcadia. This work performed through R&D activities has allowed to highlight MBSE benefits and to define an end-to-end MBSE approach to handle tests and procedures specifications, which seems promising to reduce costs and planning for new spacecraft design and test activities.