The Power of Data: Leveraging Past Mission Data Through Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) for Smart Design of Space Systems

As part of the effort to implement Digital Mission Engineering in space systems design, this paper presents an approach based on KDD techniques to effectively narrow the design space of operational orbits, evaluate mission feasibility, and obtain informed estimates of satellite system-level parameters. The success of a space mission depends on the proper functioning of a complex system of systems (SoS), which includes elements such as satellites, ground stations, and launch vehicles. The capabilities of each system within this SoS are linked to the mission tasks defined within a pre-designed operational orbit. By intelligently narrowing the decision space of operational orbits and generating informed estimates of satellite parameters in the early stages of development, this approach enables data-driven decision-making in determining the required capabilities for all systems involved in the mission. The proposed approach was implemented for a typical Earth Observation (EO) mission, using a database of mission/orbit data and satellite parameters from 1,713 EO missions (1999–2023). The results demonstrate an agile, low-computational-cost feasibility study that significantly reduces the orbit design space while providing informed estimates of satellite system-level parameters. By leveraging data intelligently, this method enables rapid convergence toward optimal and reliable design solutions for orbits and satellite systems. It also facilitates the definition of functional requirements for other systems within the SoS. Beyond reducing non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs, shortening system development time, and increasing design reliability, this approach promotes sustainability throughout the SoS lifecycle by minimizing waste and optimizing resource utilization.