Model-Based Engineering: Analysis of Alternatives for Optical Satellite Observation

Abstract

This paper describes a research effort to employ modern Systems Modeling Language (SysML) tools to inform early architecture-level analysis of alternatives by integrating existing performance calculations through parametric diagrams. The purpose of this effort is twofold. First, it serves as a proving ground for the use of SysML to capture both the system architecture and the corresponding analysis framework. Second, it illustrates how to support specialty engineering performance calculations for a range of architectural options. The findings are illustrated using a collection of heterogeneous optical systems located at the Air Force Institute of Technology and used for observation of satellites. The model will include system elements decomposed to the level at which they are generally purchased, e.g., telescopes, cameras, telescope mounts, computers, etc. The range of options explored will be based on varying telescope aperture, sensor responsivity and noise, total system coverage, and background light as they affect systems performance. Metrics are examined based on calculation of the dimmest object detectable and time required to survey a band of sky containing geostationary satellites.