MS, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Engineering and Applied Science: Aerospace Engineering

Refueling satellites is a relatively new concept that will only be first operational in the coming years. Aerial refueling of aircraft has taken place for decades. However, refueling satellites has one big challenge that refueling aircraft does not. Due to the stringent requirements, refueling satellites requires the use of intelligent autonomous systems which leads to the question of trust in the system. Trust needs to be built upon a comprehensive understanding of the system which in turn need to be integrated into the development of the system requirements. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a proven solution to best capture the systems engineering approach increasing understandability. Furthermore, by providing a visual representation of a system, model-based systems engineering allows for better understanding, traceability, earlier detection of errors, and more. In this research, a model-based system engineering approach is used to show the process of refueling vehicles. The MBSE tool used in this thesis is the Capella workbench developed by Thales, a world leader in mission-critical aerospace systems. Capella, an open-source solution for MBSE provides the ability to graphically model systems, hardware and software architectures based on the Arcadia method. In addition, a comprehensive risk and cost benefit analysis is completed to show the benefits of refueling satellites compared to replacing satellites. The systems engineering approach used in this research helps to provide understandability with the goal of increasing trust in the system and its processes. In addition, mean-time between failures, maintenance levels, and space trusted autonomy readiness levels are discussed to show the accepted risks, what the system will do if a failure occurs, and other expectations of the system. The thesis identifies the life cycle of refueling satellites and provides an insight into the system level challenges.

Committee: Kelly Cohen Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Ou Ma Ph.D. (Committee Member); Manish Kumar Ph.D. (Committee Member); Donghoon Kim Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Aerospace Engineering