Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NG-EGSE (Next Generation Modular EGSE Architecture)

Teaser

Satellites/Spacecrafts are quite expensive and once in orbit they cannot be fixed; they must be thoroughly validated before launch. Current space testbenches/EGSEs are a complex integrated suite of electronic testing solutions that are required in every space programme to...

Summary

Satellites/Spacecrafts are quite expensive and once in orbit they cannot be fixed; they must be thoroughly validated before launch. Current space testbenches/EGSEs are a complex integrated suite of electronic testing solutions that are required in every space programme to verify the correctness and soundness of satellite/spacecraft subsystems (hardware, software, instrument, platform, mission operations, cargo/payload, power, communication).
Current testbench/EGSE solutions are hardly reusable & very costly, usually being custom developed for each mission/spacecraft. As such they lead to increased costs, both in terms of equipment but also in terms of integration cycles’ duration.
The main objective of the next generation modular EGSE architecture (NG-EGSE) project is the development of modular EGSE blocks that will be easily re-configurable and reusable for various purposes.
The final result of the project shall be competitive products with significant added value in the market of EGSEs. The main advantage in a potential funding of this project is the drastic reduction of the non-recurring costs for EGSEs and as a result the creation of low-cost, innovative and competitive products.

Work performed

Following the contacts that were performed in the context of Phase 1 with potential customers, NG-EGSE is driven by the following main market drivers/requirements:
• EGSE equipment costs should be reduced by at least 40%.
• EGSE elements should be able to be re-used without expensive modification.
• EGSE integration cycle duration should be optimized.
• On-ground AIT activities have to be optimized and the operational conditions of the AIT technical teams should be increased.
• Establishment of Central Control for on-site and off-site AIT test campaigns.
• Failure identification and repairing during specific critical periods should be less than 48 hours.

The relevant analysis has concluded to the definition of the NG-EGSE approach, which is based on the following axes:
• Development of reusable modular building blocks for EGSE interfaces.
• Establishment of a single Central Control System able to operate satellites during the AIT phases.
• Provision of a Big Data Infrastructure for de-centralised test data storage, processing and retrieval.

The work performed includes a feasibility study and the definition of the business plan for the Next Generation Modular EGSE products.

Final results

ESA has recently adopted Space 4.0, which represents the evolution of the space sector into a new era. In order to meet the challenges and to proactively develop the different aspects of Space 4.0, the European space sector can become globally competitive only by adopting fast turnarounds during the whole launchers/satellite/spacecraft development lifecycle, including digitalization and global interaction.
Space AIT/AIV process is a major cost and time factor, which can greatly be improved by Space 4.0 concepts. The NG-EGSE project directly contributes to this new forthcoming era of space engineering; NG-EGSE proposes modular EGSE blocks, offering the scalability required with simpler integration and testing. The validation of satellite/spacecraft components through the NG-EGSE products will directly contribute to reduced cost, planning and mission success risks. The NG-EGSE project will open-up new markets by boosting the development of new low-cost EGSE products in order to meet the substantial demand for lower development and integration costs.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.teletel.eu/news.