Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a systems engineering methodology that focuses on creating and exploiting domain models as the primary means of information exchange between engineers, rather than on document-based information exchange. More recently, the focus has also started to cover aspects related to the model execution in computer simulation experiment, to further overcome the gap between the system model specification and the respective simulation software. In the Space Centre, this kind of approach is being developed and used for designing new space systems (e.g. a CubeSat formation), and for studying existing projects in order to understand the models behind them and to be able to verify and validate said models. This also has to do with managing the projects and boosting interdisciplinary communication between engineers working on different parts of the same project.
As a part of one of the ongoing projects of the Space Centre, a telecommunication system is to be developed for a 3U CubeSat mission. The system should comprise algorithms and physical means of connecting the satellite both to the ground and to other similar satellites with varying demands on data throughput in each of the channels. Designing this system is carried out in the scope of the MBSE concept (see above).
The work will include the study of the topic (literature and journal publications), the formulation of basic requirements, network modeling on a PC, finding the best solution. This research is a key element of our new project – swarm of the nanosatellites.
KubOS (https://www.kubos.com/) is an operating system (OS) currently being developed for on-board computers (OBC) of nanosatellites. You will need to study the description of the OS, install it on the Beaglebone single board computer, write and publish (open source) a new driver for any device that is not currently supported (for example, manufactured in Skolkovo).
What you will be asked to do is to study the foreign Cubesat OBCs, the base of domestic components, play with some Milandr microcontroller like ARM Cortex M4F, and make a report-proposal for the schematics of the first Russian OBC. If a student wants to continue working, we will then do circuit design in Altium Designer and production of the PCB.
Interplanetary economy design (supply-chain optimization problem, multiple asteroids exploration mission) Space-tug project (on-orbit servicing, refueling, LEO-to-GEO transfers, debris removal).
Ballistics, space occupancy volume, end-of-life de-orbit strategy.
Attitude control test-bed facility (understanding the design, testing the existing facility, working on the motion capture system).