The METASAT Model-Based Engineering Workflow and Digital Twin Concept

Considering the complexity in the design of future satellites and the need for compliance with ECSS standards, the METASAT project proposes a novel design methodology based on model-based engineering and supported by open architecture hardware. The initiative highlights the potential of software vir-tualisation layers, like hypervisors, to meet standards compliance on high-performance computing platforms. Our focus is on the development of a toolchain tailored for these advanced hard-ware/software layers. In our view, without such innovation, the satellite industry may face high and unsustainable development costs and timelines, which could affect its competitiveness and reliability. This paper provides an overview of the model-based engineering toolchain, the workflow, and the digital twin concept proposed for the METASAT project. We present the purpose of each component and how they work together in the broader METASAT vision, with the objective of showing how this approach can make the development process more efficient and enhance dependability in the sector.